Thanksgiving is all about delicious, comforting flavors that bring people together. This year, put a modern spin on a classic with our Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers. These epic handheld treats combine juicy, seasoned turkey patties with a savory, herb-infused stuffing for a truly indulgent and craveable meal. Served on toasted buns with all your favorite fixings, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the bold tastes of the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers
These Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers are the ultimate comfort food mashup, blending the familiar flavors of the holiday with the fun, handheld convenience of a burger. The turkey patties are infused with warm, autumnal spices like sage, thyme, and garlic, while the creamy, herbed stuffing adds an extra layer of cozy, satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, with easy, chef-tested steps, you can create this festive dish with confidence, making it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table or a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday any time.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers are ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The stuffing is made with a savory mixture of bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, chicken broth, and more fragrant herbs. Finish it off with your favorite burger buns, cheese, and toppings for a complete, craveable meal.
- 2 lbs – Ground turkey
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 – Large eggs
- 2 tsp – Dried sage
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or a blend of turkey and chicken (for a leaner or more flavorful patty)
- Bread Cubes: Substitute your favorite bread, cornbread, or stuffing mix (for a different texture in the stuffing)
How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers
Begin by making the flavorful turkey patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, sage, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties, making a shallow well in the center of each one.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by making the flavorful turkey patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, sage, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties, making a shallow well in the center of each one.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, prepare the delicious stuffing. In a skillet, sauté the onions and celery in a bit of olive oil until softened. Add the bread cubes, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the broth is mostly absorbed.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the turkey patties on the hot surface and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Top each patty with a generous spoonful of the prepared stuffing, then close the grill or pan to allow the stuffing to heat through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Lightly toast the burger buns, then assemble your Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers. Place the turkey patty on the bottom bun, top with your choice of cheese, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately while the burgers are hot and melty.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Indulgent Toppings: Top these Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Melty Cheese: Stuff the patties with cubes of your favorite cheese for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
- Festive Sides: Serve the burgers with a side of cranberry sauce or a fresh, crunchy salad for a complete, holiday-inspired meal.
- Flavor Variations: For an extra-flavorful twist, add sautéed mushrooms, dried cranberries, or nutty parmesan to the stuffing.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and your favorite condiments.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the cooked patties and stuffing in the oven or microwave before assembling and serving.
Make-Ahead: The turkey patties and stuffing can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook.
Nutrition Information
These Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers are a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Each burger contains approximately 400 calories, 30g of protein, 20g of carbs, and 20g of fat. The turkey provides a lean protein boost, while the stuffing adds a dose of whole grains and nutrients from the vegetables.
- Serving Size: 1 Burger
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the patties and stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The turkey patties and stuffing can both be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook.
Can I freeze the cooked burgers?
Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
What’s the best way to cook the turkey patties?
For the juiciest, most flavorful results, we recommend grilling or pan-frying the turkey patties. The high heat helps to develop a nice crust on the outside while keeping the interior moist and tender.
Can I use a different type of bread for the stuffing?
Absolutely! While we’ve used classic bread cubes here, you can swap in cubed cornbread, stuffing mix, or even torn pieces of sourdough or French bread for a delicious variation.
How can I make these burgers dairy-free?
To make these Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative. The burgers and stuffing will still be incredibly flavorful without the dairy component.
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Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Burgers are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in burger form! Juicy turkey patties are stuffed with a delicious mixture of stuffing, cranberries, and herbs.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup prepared stuffing
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
Lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and flatten each portion into a patty.
3. Spoon 1/4 cup of prepared stuffing and 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce onto the center of 2 patties. Place the remaining 2 patties on top and seal the edges.
4. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the burgers for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and any additional toppings you desire.
Notes
These burgers can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving. You can also add cheese to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: turkey, burgers, Thanksgiving, stuffed