Loaded with warm spices and topped with a cool salsa and monterey jack cheese, these turkey burgers are the perfect patties to throw on the grill.
Making burgers is simple. It doesn’t involve a complex recipe with many steps. Basically all that is needed to make award winning burgers is properly seasoned meat, form it into burgers and grill them.
Start by seasoning the ground meat which is ground turkey in this recipe. Using fresh onions, garlic, and cilantro adds a pop of flavor and juiciness to burgers. Sometimes turkey burgers can be bland so Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and Monterey jack cheese ensure the tastiest burgers. 
After gently combining the ground turkey and seasonings, form the burgers. Each patty should be about a quarter pound and just a little bit larger than the size of the bun. Make a small indentation in the middle of the burger. This will prevent it from expanding into a ball as it cooks.
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Monterey Jack Turkey Burgers with Avocado Salsa
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Diet: Omnivore, Gluten-Free
Description
Juicy turkey patties with warm spices, topped with a cool avocado salsa and Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for grilling!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups (118 ml) chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cups (59 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cups (237 ml) shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 2 lbs (907 g) ground turkey
- 8 buns burger buns
- 1/3 cups (79 ml) chopped onion
- 1 cups (237 ml) chopped cucumber
- 2 1/2 cups (592 ml) chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, chopped and tossed with juice of 1/2 of a lime
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients. Add the ground turkey and gently combine. Form into 8 patties, about the size of the buns, making a small indent in the center of each.
- In a medium bowl, combine the salsa ingredients. Set aside.
- Grill the burgers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from grill.
- Toast the buns on the grill for 1–2 minutes.
- Place each burger on a bun and top with the salsa.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
- For easier shaping, chill the turkey mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties.
- Substitute pepper jack or cheddar cheese for the Monterey Jack if needed.
- To make ahead, prepare the turkey patties and salsa separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep turkey burgers from drying out on the grill?
Turkey is leaner than beef, so avoid pressing the patties while they cook and pull them off the heat as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Mixing in a small amount of olive oil or grated onion before forming the patties also helps retain moisture.
When should I add the Monterey Jack so it melts properly?
Add the cheese slice in the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, then cover the pan or close the grill lid briefly so the heat melts it without overcooking the patty.
Can I make the avocado salsa in advance?
It’s best made fresh since avocado browns quickly. If you need to prep it ahead, press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the salsa and add the lime juice right at the start to slow oxidation. It will keep for a couple of hours this way.
a ? mark is given for the amount of onion in the salsa…
It has been updated. Happy cooking!
Thanks Annalisa :)