Quick & Tasty Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

Juicy turkey burgers represent a delightful twist on classic comfort food that transforms weeknight dinners.

Packed with robust flavors and lean protein, these patties offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef options.

Home cooks seeking a simple yet satisfying meal will appreciate this straightforward recipe.

Blending savory seasonings creates depth and complexity in each delectable bite.

These burgers cook quickly and deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients can elevate a basic protein.

The technique ensures tender, moist patties that never compromise on taste: Get ready to make dinner extraordinary.

Why Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe Deserves a Spot

• Savor Juicy Flavor Explosion: Worcestershire sauce and ketchup blend perfectly to infuse the turkey meat with tangy, rich taste that transforms ordinary ground turkey into an extraordinary burger experience.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking: This recipe requires only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal preparations without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Customize Your Burger Adventure: The versatile recipe allows endless topping combinations, letting you personalize each burger with fresh vegetables, creative condiments, and your favorite bun styles to match your mood and appetite.
• Enjoy Healthier Protein Alternative: Turkey burgers provide a leaner protein option compared to traditional beef, delivering delicious results with lower fat content while maintaining incredible taste and satisfying texture.

Must-Have Ingredients for Contessa Turkey Burgers

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the core of the burger, best when fresh and not too wet.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, savory flavor and helps bind the meat mixture.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall burger taste and seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and complements the turkey's mild flavor.
• Onion: Adds moisture, texture, and natural sweetness to the burger mixture.
• Ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness and helps keep the burger moist.

• Canola Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides even cooking surface.
• Hamburger Buns: Classic carrier for the turkey burger, great for holding all toppings.
• Tomato Slices: Fresh topping that adds moisture and brightness.
• Lettuce: Provides crisp texture and freshness.
• Onion Slices: Adds sharp, raw flavor and crunch.
• Pickles: Brings tangy, acidic contrast to the burger.
• Red Pepper: Optional topping for added color and mild sweetness.
• Ketchup: Classic condiment for additional flavor.
• Mustard: Tangy condiment that complements the burger.

Steps to Make Contessa Turkey Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Grate 1/2 onion and fold into the mixture. Let the blend rest for 5-10 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Patties

Divide the seasoned turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form into 1/2-inch thick patties. Press center slightly to prevent bulging during cooking.

Step 3: Heat and Cook Patties

Warm canola oil or cooking spray in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place patties in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Ensure golden brown exterior and fully cooked center.

Step 4: Build Delicious Burger Stacks

• Fresh tomato slices
• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Thinly sliced onions
• Tangy pickles
• Roasted red pepper strips

Add favorite condiments like ketchup and mustard to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pointers for a Fantastic Contessa Turkey Burger

• Lock in Moisture: Refrigerate patties for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together and prevent crumbling during grilling.
• Elevate Seasoning Strategy: Mix seasonings thoroughly but gently into ground turkey to ensure even flavor distribution without overworking the meat.
• Unleash Fresh Flavor Boosters: Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro to add unexpected brightness to your turkey burger blend.
• Master Cooking Surface Selection: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to create a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in the turkey burger's juiciness.
• Smart Storage Solution: Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy separation and quick meal preparation.

Keeping Contessa Turkey Burgers Fresh

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect burger quality by vacuum sealing individual patties in specialized food-grade bags. Removes air completely, preventing freezer burn and maintaining optimal moisture levels for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal preppers wanting long-term storage without compromising taste.
• Layered Container Method: Stack burgers between parchment paper sheets inside a deep, airtight container. Separate layers prevent sticking and preserve individual burger integrity. Maximize refrigerator space while keeping each patty pristine and ready for quick reheating.
• Quick Cooling Method: Allow burgers to reach room temperature within 30 minutes after cooking. Place on a wire rack to prevent condensation buildup, then transfer to storage containers. Rapid cooling reduces bacterial growth and maintains burger texture, ensuring safer and more delicious leftovers.

Delicious Variations on Contessa Turkey Burger

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Add diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and chili powder to the turkey mixture for a bold, zesty flavor profile. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh oregano, mint, and garlic. Serve on a toasted ciabatta with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate minced ginger, soy sauce, and green onions into the turkey blend. Garnish with sliced avocado, crispy wonton strips, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
• Smoky Bacon Ranch Burger: Fold crispy bacon bits and ranch seasoning into the ground turkey. Top with caramelized onions, smoked gouda cheese, and a dollop of ranch dressing.

Wrap-Up on Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

Barefoot Contessa’s turkey burger recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary celebrations.

Ina Garten’s signature touch elevates this classic American dish with simple, robust flavors.

Worcestershire sauce and grated onions infuse each patty with remarkable depth and juiciness.

Careful seasoning ensures maximum flavor in every delectable bite.

Homemade burgers provide healthier alternatives to restaurant versions while maintaining incredible taste profiles.

Passionate home chefs can effortlessly recreate this restaurant-quality meal – share this recipe with friends, drop a comment below, and spread culinary inspiration across your social networks!

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey burger elevates classic grilling with zesty Dijon mustard and fresh herbs. Her gourmet spin delivers juicy, flavorful patties that invite you to savor summer’s most delicious backyard feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground turkey

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• ½ medium onion
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Bread and Condiments:

• 4 hamburger buns, preferably whole wheat
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) canola oil, or use pan spray
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ketchup
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced onion
• Iceberg lettuce
• Pickles
• Sliced red pepper
• Ketchup
• Mustard

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt (0.75 teaspoons or 3.75 milliliters), and freshly ground black pepper. Finely grate half a medium onion using a box grater, incorporating the shredded onion into the meat mixture.
2. Allow the seasoned turkey mixture to rest and meld flavors for 7-8 minutes at room temperature, which helps the ingredients integrate and enhances overall taste profile.
3. Gently shape the seasoned meat into four uniform patties, approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters) thick. Use light pressure to create compact yet tender burger shapes, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Prepare a non-stick skillet by heating one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of canola oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled, carefully place the turkey patties into the pan.
5. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes on the first side, developing a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for food safety.
6. Flip the patties and cook an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side, verifying complete doneness through color and temperature.
7. Transfer the cooked turkey burgers onto lightly toasted hamburger buns. Customize with fresh toppings like crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, tangy pickles, and optional condiments such as ketchup and mustard.

Notes

• Unleash incredible flavor by marinating ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper for a taste explosion.
• Grate onions to distribute moisture evenly and create a deliciously sweet undertone throughout your burger mixture.
• Let seasoned meat rest before shaping patties, allowing ingredients to blend and develop deep, rich flavors.
• Sizzle burgers on medium-high heat for a perfectly golden-brown crust that locks in juicy tenderness.
• Ensure food safety by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
• Top with crisp, colorful vegetables for a fresh crunch that elevates the entire burger experience.
• Grab a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze after cooking.
• Jazz up your creation with adventurous condiments like spicy mustard or tangy barbecue sauce.
• Devour your masterpiece immediately to savor peak flavor and optimal burger texture.
• Store leftover patties in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ready for quick and delicious reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg