Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
This Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe uses simple ingredients like turkey, egg, onion, and breadcrumbs for flavorful burgers.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Plate for resting burgers
- Small bowl for toppings
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Avocado slices optional
- Cheese slices optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix gently until everything is combined.
- Try not to overwork the mixture.
- I noticed turkey burgers get dense fast if you keep mixing too long.
- The mixture should feel soft but still hold together.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a burger patty about 3/4 inch thick.
- Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb.
- This helps keep the burgers flatter while cooking instead of puffing up too much.
- Mine still puff a little sometimes anyway.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the pan is hot, place the turkey patties into the skillet.
- You should hear a gentle sizzle right away.
- If the pan is smoking aggressively, it’s probably too hot.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
- Cook the patties for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side.
- The bottoms should develop a golden brown crust.
- Flip carefully using a spatula and cook another 5 to 6 minutes on the other side.
- Turkey burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- The burgers should feel firm but still juicy.
- The first time I made these, I kept flipping them too often and the crust never developed properly.
- Leaving them alone works better.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
- While the burgers finish cooking, lightly toast the burger buns.
- You can do this in the skillet or toaster oven.
- A toasted bun holds up better once the toppings go on.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
- Spread mayonnaise or mustard onto the buns.
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, onion, avocado, or cheese if using.
- Place the turkey burger on top and serve warm.
- I usually add extra pickles because I like the crunch.
Notes
- Dice onions finely so they cook evenly.
- Slightly wet hands help prevent sticking while shaping patties.
- Chill patties for 15 minutes before cooking if the mixture feels too soft.
- Toast the buns for better texture.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking.
- Add cheese during the last minute if using.