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To make these tasty burgers, you need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients come together to create a flavorful base. The ground turkey provides protein, while the black beans and corn add texture and taste. Sometimes, the mixture may be a bit loose. If that happens, add: - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs The breadcrumbs help hold everything together. They ensure the patties stay firm while cooking. To make your burger extra special, consider these toppings: - Avocado slices - Lettuce - Salsa - Whole wheat burger buns These toppings add freshness and flavor. They also make your burger look amazing on the plate. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, black beans, and corn. Add the diced red bell pepper and jalapeño for a spicy kick. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well. If the mixture feels loose, add some breadcrumbs. This helps hold the burgers together. Next, divide your mixture into four equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, then flatten it into a patty. Make sure the patties are compact. This step is key to keeping them from falling apart on the grill. Now it's time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill with olive oil to stop sticking. Place your patties on the grill and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have nice grill marks. In the last few minutes, toast your whole wheat buns on the grill. Once everything is cooked, assemble your burgers with avocado, lettuce, and salsa. Enjoy your delicious meal! To keep your turkey burgers juicy, use a mix of ingredients. Adding black beans and corn helps. They create moisture and flavor. If your mixture feels loose, add breadcrumbs. This keeps everything together and adds texture. Make sure you do not overmix. This can make the burgers tough. Preheat your grill well before cooking. This helps the burgers get nice grill marks. Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers for 5-6 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F. This ensures your burgers are safe to eat. Avoid pressing down on the burgers. This releases juices and dries them out. For a great meal, serve your burgers with fresh sides. Here are some ideas: - Sweet potato fries - Grilled vegetables - Corn on the cob - A light salad with lime dressing These options balance the spice and add freshness to your plate. Pro Tips Let the Mixture Chill: Allow the turkey mixture to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming patties. This helps the flavors meld and makes the patties easier to handle. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Adding more cayenne or even some chipotle powder can enhance the spiciness! Don’t Overcook: To maintain the juiciness of your turkey burgers, be careful not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Perfect Toppings: Try adding different toppings like pepper jack cheese, pickled onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the spicy flavors. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your spicy Southwest turkey burgers by adding different spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. A dash of oregano can bring a nice touch too. If you want more heat, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also play with flavors by using taco seasoning instead of individual spices. This can make your burger taste even more exciting! If you want a meatless option, make black bean patties. Use the same ingredients, but swap the ground turkey for mashed black beans. You can add corn and diced peppers for extra taste. Season with cumin and chili powder just like in the original recipe. Shape this mixture into patties and grill them. They will be tasty and filling! Toppings can change everything about your burger. Instead of avocado, try slices of fresh tomato or pickled red onions. You can also add cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you love crunch, consider adding coleslaw. It adds texture and flavor. Don’t forget your favorite sauces! Chipotle mayo or creamy ranch can make your burger extra special. After you enjoy your spicy turkey burgers, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. Ensure the burgers cool down before sealing. This helps keep them moist. To freeze your turkey burgers, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To enjoy later, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, heat them up right. You can use a skillet or an oven. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the burgers for about 10 minutes or until hot. This method keeps them juicy. If using a skillet, warm them over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can use ground chicken. It works well with this recipe. Both meats have a similar texture. The taste may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just ensure you cook it fully. If you don't have jalapeños, try using green bell peppers. They add crunch without the heat. You can also use a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. Adjust to your taste for a milder flavor. To make these burgers gluten-free, skip the breadcrumbs. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer. Just check the label for safe ingredients. Always make sure the buns are gluten-free too. The ideal internal cooking temperature for turkey burgers is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures the burgers are safe to eat and juicy. Cooking them at this temperature keeps them tender and flavorful. In this post, we explored how to make spicy Southwest turkey burgers. We covered ingredients, steps to prepare, and tips to keep them moist. Variations like black bean patties and alternative toppings offer great options. Remember to store leftovers properly and follow reheating tips to enjoy them later. With these ideas, you’ll create tasty burgers that everyone loves. Get ready to impress at your next meal!

Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers

A flavorful turkey burger infused with southwest spices and topped with fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 0.25 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 0.25 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding)
  • Olive oil for grilling
  • Whole wheat burger buns
  • Avocado slices, lettuce, and salsa for toppings

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • If the mixture is too loose, add breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Ensure they are compact so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grate with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have nice grill marks.
  • During the last few minutes of cooking, place the whole wheat buns on the grill to toast lightly.
  • Once cooked, remove the patties and buns from the grill. Assemble your burger by placing a patty on a bun, followed by avocado slices, lettuce, and a generous spoonful of salsa.
  • Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately with your favorite side.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword grilling, southwest, spicy, turkey burgers