Go Back
Southwest Turkey Burgers

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Rebecca
Juicy, flavorful turkey burgers infused with smoky poblano peppers, fresh cilantro, and warm spices, topped with creamy chipotle mayo. A Southwest-inspired meal that's both satisfying and lighter than your average burger!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Turkey Patties

  • 1 lb ground turkey 93/7 lean
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ cup roasted poblano pepper minced
  • ½ jalapeño minced
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 tsp ancho chile powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

Chipotle Mayo

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp canned chipotle chile in adobo minced
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey

Additional Ingredients

  • 4 burger buns
  • ¾ cup guacamole
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese optional

Instructions
 

  • Char the outside of a poblano pepper over a gas burner or under your oven’s broiler until the skin blackens. Place the pepper in a sealed bag or cover tightly with plastic wrap to steam for about 5 minutes. This helps loosen the skin. Once it’s cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and finely dice the flesh. The result is a smoky, tender pop of flavor that elevates your patties.
  • Combine ground turkey, roasted poblano, minced jalapeño, cilantro, and all the seasonings in a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise to keep the mixture moist and Worcestershire sauce for umami. Gently mix everything together with your hands just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough! Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing while cooking.
  • Stir together mayonnaise, minced chipotle chile in adobo, lime juice, grated garlic, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning if needed and set it in the fridge to chill. This sauce is the perfect creamy and tangy topping for your burgers!
  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and coat lightly with oil. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side, making sure to flip only once to keep them juicy. Want to add cheese? Place a slice of Pepper Jack on top during the last minute of cooking, letting it melt into the patty. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safely cooked turkey.
  • Toast your burger buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom bun and guacamole on the top bun. Layer with a slice of tomato, red onion, and the cooked patty. Add any additional sauce or toppings you love, secure with the top bun, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the patty mixture—this keeps the burgers juicy.
  • Chill patties before cooking to help them hold their shape.
  • Adjust spice by increasing or reducing chipotle or jalapeño.
  • Low-carb swap: Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Keyword Southwest Turkey Burgers