Let’s be honest, turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry and bland. But I’m here to change that forever! This Skillet Turkey Burger recipe is my absolute favorite way to enjoy a lighter burger without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or juiciness. The secret? A surprise ingredient; ricotta cheese!; that keeps the lean turkey incredibly moist. Cooked in a screaming hot skillet for a gorgeous crust and finished in the oven, these burgers are a foolproof path to the best turkey burger of your life. Get ready to retire your grill for this one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Juicy: The whole milk ricotta cheese is the game changer, adding moisture and fat that lean turkey lacks.
- Perfect Crust: Cooking in a heavy skillet gives you a beautiful, dark golden brown, crispy crust that you just can’t get on a grill.
- Quick & Easy: From bowl to bun in under 30 minutes, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
- Meal Prep Hero: These burgers freeze beautifully, making them a perfect make ahead dinner solution for busy nights.
The Secret to the Perfect Turkey Burger
Forget everything you thought you knew about dry turkey burgers. The magic here is in the ricotta cheese. It bastes the meat from the inside as it cooks, ensuring every single bite is tender and moist. Combined with Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, it creates a flavor packed burger that stands up to any beef patty.
The two stage cooking method is the other key to success. We start by searing the burgers in a ripping hot skillet to build that irresistible, flavorful crust. Then, we transfer the whole skillet to the oven to finish cooking gently and evenly, so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is perfectly done.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1¼ pounds 93% lean ground turkey: A little fat is good for flavor and moisture!
- ½ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper: To season the meat perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: For a deep, savory, umami kick.
- ½ cup whole milk Ricotta cheese: The JUICY secret weapon! Don’t skip this.
- ¼ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs: These help bind the burgers and keep them tender.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For achieving that perfect sear.
- 4 hamburger buns: Toasted and buttered, if you’re feeling fancy!
Step by Step Instructions
1Mix the Burger Patties Gently: Preheat your oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle. In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ricotta, bread crumbs, and Dijon mustard. Now, here’s the trick: use your hands to mix it just until everything is blended. Overmixing will make the burgers tough.
2Form the Patties Correctly: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently toss one portion from hand to hand to form a ball, then lightly flatten it into a ¾ inchthick patty. Crucial Pro Tip: Use your thumb to make a slight depression in the center of each patty. This prevents the burgers from puffing up into a ball as they cook, giving you a flat, even burger perfect for stacking.
3Sear for a Golden Crust: Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet (like cast iron) over medium heat for a full 4-5 minutes until it’s very hot. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the patties and let them cook, WITHOUT moving them, for 3-4 minutes. This is how you get that dark golden brown, crispy crust.
4Flip and Finish in the Oven: Flip the burgers. They should be lightly browned on the other side but not yet crusted. Cook for another 3 minutes, then immediately transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.
5Cook to Perfection: Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the burgers are completely cooked through. The safest way to check is with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 160°F when inserted into the center. Serve immediately on your favorite buns with all the fixings!
The Juiciest Skillet Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds 93% lean ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup whole milk Ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, ricotta, bread crumbs, and mustard. Mix with hands until just blended.
- Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Form into balls, then flatten into ¾ inch thick patties. Press a slight depression in the center of each patty.
- Heat a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until very hot. Add oil and swirl to coat.
- Add patties and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes, until a dark golden crust forms.
- Flip patties and cook for 3 minutes more.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Serve immediately on buns.
Notes
- Don't Overmix: Mix the burger ingredients just until combined to avoid tough burgers.
- The Dimple: Making a slight depression in the center of the raw patty prevents it from puffing up during cooking.
- Skillet is Key: A heavy, ovenproof skillet (like cast iron) is essential for getting a good sear.
- Freezer Friendly: Shape patties and freeze on a parchment lined plate. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
