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Southwest Turkey Burgers Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Southwest Turkey Burgers Recipe

When I made these Southwest turkey burgers for the first time, I couldn’t believe how much flavor was packed into every bite. The smoky spices, fresh cilantro, and roasted poblano peppers perfectly complement the creamy, tangy chipotle mayo.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • Turkey Patties
  • 1 lb ground turkey 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio: Keeps the patties tender but still light.
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the patties.
  • ½ cup roasted poblano pepper minced: Brings a smoky warmth to the flavor.
  • ½ jalapeño minced: For an extra little kick of heat!
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped: Adds vibrant, fresh notes to the burgers.
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder: Provides a smoky earthy spice profile.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses the patties with classic Southwest warmth.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Ensures the patties are well-seasoned.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements other spices for a balanced flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the patties.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Pulls all the flavors together.
  • Chipotle Mayo
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of this flavorful sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon canned chipotle chile in adobo minced: Adds smoky spiciness.
  • 1 clove garlic grated: Enhances the creaminess with aromatic depth.
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens and balances the sauce with a citrusy tang.
  • 1 teaspoon honey: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the bold flavors.
  • Additional Ingredients
  • 4 burger buns: Soft toasted buns make the perfect base.
  • ¾ cup guacamole: Creamy goodness that pairs perfectly with Southwest spices.
  • 1 tomato sliced: Adds a juicy, fresh element.
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced: For a little bite and crunch.
  • Pepper Jack cheese slices optional: Melty goodness with a hint of spice!

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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.