The Juiciest Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Onions & Provolone Recipe

Juicy turkey burgers elevate weeknight dinners with their irresistible flavor profile.

Caramelized balsamic onions add a sweet and tangy twist to this classic meal.

Provolone cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer of richness.

Lean ground turkey provides a healthier alternative to traditional beef patties.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for busy cooks.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of savory and sophisticated tastes.

Why Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Onions Impress

• Craft Gourmet Burgers at Home: Transform simple ground turkey into restaurant-quality burgers with minimal cooking skills required.
• Boost Flavor with Easy Caramelization: Elevate standard onions using balsamic vinegar technique that creates rich, sweet, and tangy taste without complicated steps.
• Healthier Protein Option: Replace traditional beef with lean turkey, offering a lighter meal packed with protein and lower fat content.
• Versatile Meal for Any Gathering: Perfect for casual family dinners, weekend barbecues, or quick weeknight meals that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein option that creates a healthier burger with a mild flavor.
• Provolone Cheese: A smooth, mild Italian cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness to the burger.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy and sweet ingredient that helps caramelize the onions with deep flavor.

• Onion, Garlic, Dried Thyme: A classic flavor combination that enhances the turkey burger's taste profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A savory condiment that adds depth and umami to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the turkey.

• Bread, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Pickles: Optional toppings that can customize the burger's texture and taste.
• Water: Used to help caramelize the onions and prevent burning during the cooking process.

How to Cook Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Onions and Provolone

Step 1: Create Balsamic Caramelized Onions

Grab a large skillet with a lid.

Add sliced onions and balsamic vinegar.

Cook over medium heat, covered, for about 20 minutes until onions soften.

Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.

As liquid evaporates, onions will start turning golden brown.

Add water periodically, stirring and allowing liquid to cook down completely.

Repeat this process until onions become deeply golden, soft, and luxuriously caramelized.

Set aside these sweet and tangy onions.

Step 2: Mix Turkey Burger Patties

• Finely chopped onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Dried thyme

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Shape the mixture into 8 burger patties, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Grill Turkey Burgers

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Place turkey burgers on the hot grill.

Cook approximately 7 minutes per side, flipping only once to maintain juiciness.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

During the final cooking minute, layer a slice of provolone cheese on each burger.

Cover grill to help cheese melt beautifully.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Place each turkey burger on your preferred bread.

Top generously with balsamic caramelized onions.

Enhance with additional toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, or tangy pickles.

Enjoy your gourmet turkey burger creation!

Tips for Juicy Turkey Burgers with Onions and Cheese

• Slowly cook onions over medium heat, adding water gradually to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
• Mix ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce and finely chopped onion to ensure juicy, flavorful patties that won't dry out.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal turkey burger temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Cover the grill or skillet during the last minute of cooking to create a perfectly melted provolone layer that envelops the burger.
• Swap bread for lettuce wraps or serve burgers over a fresh salad for a lighter, gluten-free alternative.

Flavor Twists for Turkey Burgers with Provolone

• Chicken Swap Burgers: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains similar seasoning and cooking techniques.
• Vegetarian Patty Alternative: Craft burger patties using black beans, quinoa, and similar herbs to mimic the turkey burger's texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Serve burgers on gluten-free buns or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for those avoiding wheat-based breads.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Eliminate bread completely, serve burger between grilled portobello mushroom caps with caramelized onions for a carbohydrate-conscious meal.

Serving Ideas for Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Onions

• Gourmet Burger Bar: Set up a DIY station with various condiments, fresh greens, and sliced tomatoes for personalized burger creation.
• Healthy Side Kick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the rich burger flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the burger's savory profile with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a refreshing craft beer.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack these burgers in a cooler for outdoor adventures, wrapping them individually in parchment paper for easy transport.

Best Storage Tips for Turkey Burgers

• Store leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Place caramelized onions in a separate sealed container.
• Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe bag and store up to 3 months. Separate onions in a different freezer container.
• Place burger on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway. Add caramelized onions after heating to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Are turkey burgers healthier than beef burgers?

Turkey burgers are generally lower in fat and calories compared to beef burgers, making them a leaner protein option for those watching their diet or seeking a healthier alternative.

• How do I prevent turkey burgers from becoming dry?

To keep turkey burgers moist, avoid overcooking and use ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onions, and garlic. These additions help retain moisture and enhance flavor while preventing the meat from drying out.

• Can I make turkey burgers in a skillet instead of a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook turkey burgers in a skillet over medium-high heat, following the same cooking time and temperature guidelines. Ensure you use a non-stick pan or add a little oil to prevent sticking.

Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone elevate weeknight dinners with gourmet flair. Juicy patties topped with sweet onions and melted cheese invite you to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground turkey
• 8 slices provolone cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons (3 large cloves) garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 0.5 cup finely chopped onion

Topping and Balsamic Mixture:

• 3 large onions (white or red), halved and thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
• Bread options: whole wheat bun, brioche bun, English muffin, pita, or bed of greens

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Instructions

1. Slowly transform sliced onions with balsamic vinegar in a covered skillet over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes until softened, then uncover and continue cooking, stirring periodically to develop deep caramelization. Periodically add water and allow liquid to evaporate, repeating until onions become rich, soft, and golden brown.
2. Blend ground turkey with finely diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently combine ingredients without overmixing, then form into 8 uniform burger patties.
3. Heat grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Place turkey patties on hot grates and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. During final cooking minute, drape provolone cheese over each patty and close grill lid to facilitate melting.
4. Transfer burgers onto selected bread or bun, generously crown with balsamic caramelized onions. Enhance with optional garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or tangy pickles for additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Use wet hands when forming turkey burger patties to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
• Add a splash of olive oil or an egg to the turkey mixture to keep burgers juicy and prevent dryness during grilling.
• Let turkey burgers rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
• Swap bread for lettuce wraps to make the recipe low-carb or gluten-free, and use ground chicken as an alternative protein option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg