Carter Family Recipes

Ground turkey is the standard lean alternative to ground beef–and a good one–but burgers made from it can be dry and bland. These turkey burgers are particularly moist and flavorful because mushrooms are used to extend the ground meat.

  • 2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces
  • 8 ounces white mushrooms, wiped clean
  • 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup Scallion-Lemon Mayonnaise, optional
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey breast, (see Ingredient note)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1½ tablespoons coarse-grained mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 6 whole-wheat buns, (optional)
  • Lettuce leaves & tomato slices, for garnish
  1. Place bread in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl. Pulse mushrooms in the food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and the mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Add to the breadcrumbs and let cool completely, 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare Scallion-Lemon Mayonnaise, if using.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  5. Add ground turkey, egg, dill, mustard, salt and pepper to the mushroom mixture; mix well with a potato masher. With dampened hands, form the mixture into six ½-inch-thick patties, using about ½ cup for each.
  6. Oil the grill rack. Brush the patties with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Grill until no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes per side. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 165°F.) Meanwhile, split buns and toast on the grill for 30 to 60 seconds, if using. Serve burgers on buns, garnished with lettuce, tomato and Scallion-Lemon Mayonnaise, if desired.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 5. Wrap individually and refrigerate for up to 8 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • Ingredient Note: Lean ground turkey breast has 110 calories and 1 gram fat per 3-ounce serving, compared to 193 calories and 11 grams fat in regular ground turkey (which may include leg meat and skin).
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