Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty Recipe
If you’re ready to bring bold, zesty flavors into your next burger night, the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty might just steal the show! These burgers pair lean ground turkey with smoky spices, tangy chipotle mayo, creamy avocado, and all the colorful fixings of a true Southwestern feast. From the first bite, you’ll taste juicy turkey, a punch of heat from jalapeño and adobo chilies, and a backdrop of cumin and smoked paprika that ties everything together. It’s a mouthwatering twist on a classic, created to satisfy your cravings and wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty comes from a thoughtfully selected cast of ingredients. Each one brings something special to the party—crunch, heat, freshness, or that irresistible creamy finish. Gather these before you start for burger bliss in every bite.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all those vibrant spices—plus, it’s a healthy burger base.
- Red onion, minced (⅓ cup): Adds a subtle crunch and a touch of sweetness that balances the heat.
- Jalapeño pepper, minced: Brings fresh, grassy heat without overpowering the turkey.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all of the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Sharpens the other seasonings and adds mild heat.
- Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon): For a spicy kick that builds in every bite—add less if you want gentle heat.
- Cumin (1½ teaspoons): Gives a warm, earthy flavor that’s a signature Southwestern touch.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Ensures a golden, crisp crust on your burgers.
- Sesame seed bun: Soft and toasty, the perfect vehicle for your burger masterpiece.
- Shredded lettuce: For a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy patties.
- Sliced tomato: Juicy layers that complement the savoriness of the turkey.
- Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of creamy heat.
- Avocado: Creamy, mellow, and dreamy with all those spicy and tangy flavors.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The base of your zesty chipotle mayo spread.
- Canned chilies in adobo (2 tablespoons): Smoky, spicy, and signature for authentic flavor.
- Lime, juiced (½ lime): Adds the bright, citrusy tang every good burger sauce needs.
How to Make Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty
Step 1: Mix Up the Spicy Turkey Patty Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground turkey, minced red onion, minced jalapeño, salt, black pepper, cayenne, cumin, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix, being careful not to overwork the meat—just combine until you have an even blend of turkey and all those fragrant seasonings. This step really sets the foundation for every flavorful bite of the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty.
Step 2: Shape the Perfect Patties
Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking, then gently form the turkey mixture into four patties about 4 inches in diameter. Try to keep them uniform so they’ll cook evenly and fit nicely onto your buns. Place them on a plate and let them rest while your pan heats up.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Begin Cooking
Pour about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a large nonstick skillet and set it over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the patties. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 2 minutes—that’s how you’ll get a delicious crust that locks in juices. The smell of cumin and paprika will have folks wandering into your kitchen!
Step 4: Flip, Melt, and Finish Cooking
After 2 minutes, flip the patties gently with a spatula. Lower the heat to low and let them cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, place slices of pepper jack cheese on each patty, covering with a lid if possible to encourage fast, gooey melting. The Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty absolutely shines when the cheese is perfectly draped and melty!
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Since ground turkey needs thorough cooking, check that each patty has reached at least 165℉F (75℃) using a meat thermometer. When that safe temp is reached, take them off the heat immediately so they stay moist and juicy.
Step 6: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While the burgers rest, create your sauce by mixing mayonnaise, canned chilies in adobo, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of adobo for your ideal spice level. This smoky, tangy mayo is the secret weapon in the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty and ties all the Southwest flavors together.
Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy!
Time to build your burgers! Toast those sesame seed buns if you’d like a little crunch. Spread chipotle mayo generously on one or both sides, then stack lettuce, sliced tomato, cheesy turkey patty, and creamy avocado slices. Serve immediately while everything is warm and vibrant—you’re officially the burger hero tonight!
How to Serve Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty
Garnishes
Garnish these burgers with just a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a handful of thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and punch. A little extra lime zest or a roasted jalapeño on top never hurts if you want to bring the heat up a notch and impress your friends with your presentation chops.
Side Dishes
The Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty works beautifully with a side of crisp sweet potato fries, tangy Mexican street corn, or a simple black bean salad. For a lighter touch, you can never go wrong with a crunchy slaw or a big bowl of salsa and tortilla chips for scooping up any burger juices!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your burger game up a level: try serving your burgers “open-faced” atop toasted sourdough with a fried egg for brunch, or turn the patties into mini sliders for a game night spread. Got extra chipotle mayo? Dollop it onto a sheet pan of roasted potatoes or use it to dress a Southwestern salad for a meal that keeps on giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover patties cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep assembled burgers separate from the buns and salad toppings, as this keeps everything fresh and ready for reheating.
Freezing
For long-term storage, let cooked turkey patties cool completely, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or foil before transferring to a freezer bag. Patties will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just don’t forget to label and date them—you’ll thank yourself later!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge if you’ve frozen them. Warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a bit of water and covering to keep things moist. Add fresh toppings and buns just before serving so the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty tastes just-made again.
FAQs
Can I make the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty less spicy?
Absolutely! Tone down the heat by using less cayenne and jalapeño, and simply taste your chipotle mayo before adding more adobo chilies. You’ll still get all the great flavors without the fire.
What’s the best way to keep turkey burgers juicy?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and always use a gentle touch when forming patties. Cooking just until they reach 165°F is key—overcooking will dry them out. The toppings and sauce also help lock in moisture and flavor.
Can I grill these burgers instead of pan-frying?
Yes, grilling works beautifully with the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty. Preheat your grill and oil the grates, then cook as directed, closing the lid to help melt the cheese at the end.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap regular buns for your favorite gluten-free alternative, and double-check all your condiments for hidden gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy for everyone to enjoy!
What’s a good substitute for pepper jack cheese?
If you’re not a fan of spice or don’t have pepper jack on hand, try Monterey Jack for a milder melt or even sharp cheddar for a bolder taste—both pair wonderfully with the other flavors in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty! It’s bold, satisfying, and totally unforgettable. Gather your loved ones, set out the fixings, and let these burgers bring a little Southwestern spark to your next meal—you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers Recipe by Tasty Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers are packed with bold flavors and are a delicious twist on classic burgers. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup red onion, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
For Serving:
- sesame seed bun
- shredded lettuce
- sliced tomato
- pepper jack cheese
- avocado
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons canned chilies in adobo
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare Burger Patties: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, red onion, jalapeño, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Shape Patties: Wet your hands lightly and shape the mixture into 4 circular patties, each about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
- Cook Patties: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the burgers for 2 minutes on the first side. Flip the burgers, reduce the heat to low, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Add pepper jack cheese on top during the last minute of cooking.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (75˚C) using a meat thermometer before removing them from the pan.
- Assemble Burgers: Build your burgers with sesame seed buns, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and your favorite condiments.
- Serve: Enjoy your flavorful Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey Burgers!
Notes
- Make sure to cook the turkey burgers thoroughly to ensure they are safe to eat.
- You can customize the toppings and condiments to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Spicy, Turkey Burgers, Southwestern, Chipotle, Flavorful
