Description
These Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers are a flavorful and juicy twist on a classic favorite, combining ground turkey with fresh jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices. Perfectly grilled and topped with creamy guacamole, fresh lettuce, and tomato slices, they make a delicious, satisfying meal ideal for any cookout or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- ½ cup finely diced onion (white, red, or yellow)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Juice of ½ lime (about ½ tbsp)
- ½ to 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Guacamole
- Sliced cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, lime juice, shredded cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed but avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a burger patty. Adjust the size based on your preferred bun size.
- Grill the Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty registers 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Burgers: Remove the cooked patties from the grill and loosely cover them with foil. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute the juices.
- Assemble and Serve: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Place each burger on a bun and top with guacamole, sliced cheese, tomato slices, and lettuce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Jalapeño Heat Level: For extra spice, retain the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño. For a milder taste, remove them.
- Homemade Guacamole: Mash 2 avocados with juice of ½ lime, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic to make fresh guacamole.
- Cooking Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, cook the burgers in a stovetop skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
