Mouth-watering Turkey Pumpkin Burger recipe for the fall
Close your eyes and imagine the perfect meal: a juicy burger with a crispy outside and a tender inside. Now, add to that the warm spices of fall – pumpkin, sage, and thyme. Your mouth is watering, isn’t it?
Well, have no fear because I have just the recipe for you – Turkey Pumpkin Burgers.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your classic burger routine or just want to enjoy the flavors of fall in a new way, this burger recipe is the perfect solution. It’s quick and easy to make, packed with lean protein from turkey meat, and brimming with seasonal spices like cloves, thyme, and golden pumpkin puree.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. With less saturated fat than beef and more vitamins and minerals thanks to nutrient-rich pumpkin puree, this burger is perfect for those who want to stick to their diet plan without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
So grab your apron, dust off your grill pan or skillet, and get ready to indulge in one of the most flavorful burgers you’ve ever tried – the Turkey Pumpkin Burger.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, fellow foodies. I have got a recipe that will blow your minds and taste buds. This is not just any ordinary burger recipe. No, sir-ee. This is a turkey pumpkin burger recipe that will awaken your taste buds to fall flavors.
Are you tired of the same old beef burgers? Do you want to switch-up your cooking game? Look no further than this turkey pumpkin burger recipe. It’s perfect for those who want to experience delicious flavors of fall in a savory dish.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor from ingredients like dried sage, dried thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. These fragrant herbs and spices add an extra kick to the savory pumpkin puree that brings out the best in lean ground turkey meat.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe also includes chipotle pumpkin veggie burgers for our vegan friends using canned pumpkin purée and perfect seasoning which creates an excellent substitute for meat burgers.
Not only is it full of flavor, but it’s also a healthy option. The burgers can be served on whole wheat buns and topped with maple-pepper lacquered turkey bacon or herbed goat cheese. It’s time to switch-up your hamburger game with this vegan burger recipe food.
So whether you are making these delicious burgers for a fall gathering or an every-day meal, everyone will appreciate the delicious and robust flavor combination that these turkey pumpkin burgers naturally produce.
In conclusion, why settle for boring beef burgers when you can dazzle your taste buds with these savory turkey pumpkin burgers?
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients we’ll be working with for this tasty turkey pumpkin burger recipe:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp. dried sage
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
These ingredients are perfect for creating a delicious and flavorful turkey burger that will satisfy your craving for something hearty and savory.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredient list, it’s time for the fun part: actually making these turkey pumpkin burgers. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground turkey, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 minced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 eggs, lightly beaten, 1 tbsp. dried sage, 1 tbsp. dried thyme, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. onion powder,½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well (but don’t overwork the meat) using your hands or a spoon.
Step 2: Shape the patties
With damp hands, shape the mixture into burger patties about ¼ pound each. This should result in around 4 hamburger patties.
Step 3: Cook the burgers
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and coat it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Once heated, cook each burger patty for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Optional step 4: Grill the burgers
Alternatively, you can also grill these burgers on medium high heat for roughly 5-7 minutes per side.
Optional step 5: Add toppings
I recommend topping your turkey pumpkin burgers with some turkey bacon, which adds crunch and smokiness to the savory flavors of ground turkey and pumpkin. A smear of herbed goat cheese is also a great addition, as is a slice of sweet n’ tangy maple pepper-lacquered turkey bacon as well as some fried sage to bring an earthy note to every bite.
Now that you know how simple and straightforward this recipe is, don’t waste any more time and give it a try!
Substitutions and Variations
There are a lot of creative ways to make this turkey pumpkin burger recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations that you might find interesting:
– Switch up the seasoning: While the recipe calls for dried sage and thyme, you could also try using other fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. You could even go for something more spicy like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
– Use different protein: Ground turkey is a lean and flavorful option, but you could also use ground beef, chicken, or pork. If you’re vegetarian, try using canned pumpkin puree or cooked quinoa instead.
– Get creative with toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different burger toppings. Some savory options include crispy bacon, herbed goat cheese, or grilled onions. If you want to add some sweetness to your burger, consider topping it with maple pepper lacquered turkey bacon or a drizzle of honey. For a vegan option, sliced avocado or chipotle pumpkin veggie burgers work great.
– Try different buns: While whole wheat buns are a healthy choice, you could switch it up by using brioche buns or even sweet potato buns. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, skip the bun altogether and wrap your burger in lettuce cups.
– Make it spicier: If you love spice, try adding diced jalapenos or habaneros to your burgers before cooking them. For an extra kick of heat, try making a hot sauce with pumpkin puree and fried sage.
– Add some veggies: To make your burgers even healthier, add some chopped zucchini or cucumber mint relish on top of your burger patty.
With so many substitutions and variations available for this tasty recipe, it’s easy to adapt it to any diet preference and taste preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these juicy and flavorful turkey pumpkin burgers, it’s time to think about serving and pairing them for the perfect meal. These burgers are a great option for a fall-themed dinner party, or just an everyday meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.
I recommend serving these turkey pumpkin burgers on a whole wheat bun with a dollop of habanero pumpkin sauce or aioli. Topping options for these burgers are endless, but one of my favorite goes-to is some crispy turkey bacon and herbed goat cheese. The sweet and savory combination of the maple pepper lacquered turkey patty with the creamy herbed goat cheese is simply mouthwatering.
If you’re looking for something lighter, you can also serve these burgers sans-bun wrapped in butter lettuce leaves with a side of zucchini fries or cucumber mint salad. Another great tip is to add some grilled curried pumpkin or chipotle pumpkin veggie burgers as a side dish to this meal to create an even more robust fall-themed feast!
When it comes to beverage pairing, I would suggest serving these burgers with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a cold beer like IPA or Stout. The hoppy bitterness in the beer complements the richness of the burger perfectly.
In summary, these turkey pumpkin burgers are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or paired with other dishes to create a flavorful and memorable meal. So experiment with some unique toppings and sides, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, this is something I’d happily talk about. Now, there’s nothing quite as convenient as a meal that can be made ahead of time and eaten later for a quick bite or a hearty meal. And with these turkey pumpkin burgers, you’ve got yourself precisely that!
Making these burgers ahead of time:
You can prepare a batch of these delicious turkey pumpkin burgers ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking them. Any longer than that, and you risk the ingredients not being fresh when it comes to cooking.
Storing cooked turkey pumpkin burgers:
Making more patties than you need? Store them in an airtight container in your fridge after they’ve cooled completely. They can last for about three days like this.
Reheating leftover turkey pumpkin burgers:
Microwave: Heating up your leftovers requires nothing more than a microwave. Pop one or two patties in the microwave for around 30 seconds or until they’re nice and warm inside.
Oven: Are you reheating more than just one patty? Use an oven instead! Preheat it to around 350°F, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for eight to ten minutes or until heated throughout.
No matter how you store or reheat your delicious turkey pumpkin burger patties, they’ll taste just as amazing as the day you made them – that is if you don’t eat them all up right after cooking!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is an art, and with any art form, practice makes perfect. However, there are also several helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your dish reaches its full potential. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect turkey pumpkin burgers:
1. Don’t Overwork the Meat
When forming the burger patty, make sure not to overwork the meat. Overworking the meat can cause it to become tough and dry. Mix the ingredients together just enough to combine them evenly.
2. Let the Patties Rest
After shaping your burgers into patties, it’s essential to let them rest for about 10 minutes before cooking them. Allowing the patties to rest will help them retain their juices and flavors while cooking.
3. Use High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will have a significant impact on the final outcome of your dish. It’s essential to use fresh herbs and spices, high-quality ground turkey, and pumpkin puree.
4. Season Generously
Seasoning is everything when it comes to creating delicious turkey pumpkin burgers. Be sure to include all of the recommended seasonings in your recipe, such as salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried sage, and dried thyme.
5. Cook Until Juicy and Fully Cooked
It’s crucial to cook your turkey pumpkin burgers until they are fully cooked but remain juicy and tender. Overcooking them can dry out the meat and result in a tough burger patty. On average, turkey burgers should be cooked for 6-8 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create flavorful turkey pumpkin burgers every time that will please even the pickiest eaters!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the details you need to make the perfect turkey pumpkin burger, it’s time to give it a shot. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – from a weekend gathering to a quick weeknight meal.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own. Whether you swap beef for turkey or add some chipotle for a little kick, the possibilities are endless.
So why not try this flavorful and unique twist on the classic burger? It’s sure to impress and satisfy any appetite, while also adding a touch of fall to every bite. Trust me, once you try this juicy and savory turkey pumpkin burger, you’ll never go back to the plain old classic burger again.
Turkey Pumpkin Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (I used 93/7)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Form into seven 4 oz patties (or however many you want).
- Heat grill/grill pan to med/med-high heat.
- Grill 6 minutes per side.
Your own notes
Nutrition
Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.