Easy Southwest Turkey Burger (freezer meal prep!)
This Southwest Turkey Burger is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. What I love about this 30 Minute Dinner is that it’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and easy to prep ahead.
I’ve been making these burgers for years when I want something quick but still homemade and they make great leftovers. They’re also perfect for meal prep since you can refrigerate or freeze the patties ahead of time.
If you like this dish, you should try my Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers, BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, or Garlicky Kale Steak and Couscous Salad.
Why You Will Love This Dinner
Easy cooking
Simple ingredients mixed in one bowl and grilled to perfection.
Healthy ingredients
Lean ground turkey with fiber-rich beans and fresh herbs.
Versatile meal
Serve as burgers, lettuce wraps, or over a salad bowl.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – A lean, high-protein base for the burgers.
Red onion – Adds flavor and a slight crunch.
Black beans – Add fiber, moisture, and help keep the burgers tender.
Cilantro – Brings fresh, herby flavor.
Garlic – Adds depth and savory flavor.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the patties and keep them from falling apart.
Egg – Acts as a binder for the mixture.
Cumin – Adds that classic Southwest flavor.
Paprika – Brings warmth and a subtle smokiness.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
Make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Add heat:
Mix in diced jalapeños or chili powder.
Switch the protein:
Try ground chicken instead of turkey.
Make it low-carb:
Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Add toppings:
Avocado, pepper jack cheese, or a chipotle mayo work great.
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, red onion, black beans, cilantro, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- Form patties: Mix until just combined, then shape into burger patties.
- Chill (optional): Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help them hold together better.
- Cook: Grill over medium heat, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Serve on buns, lettuce wraps, or over a salad.
Tips and Notes
- Don’t overmix, this keeps the burgers tender.
- Slightly mash the black beans for better texture and binding.
- Chilling the patties helps prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! You can prep and refrigerate or freeze the patties.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely — freeze raw or cooked for up to 3 months.
Can I cook these on the stovetop?
Yes, cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a bun with avocado and lettuce
- Make a burger bowl with rice and veggies
- Pair with sweet potato fries or a side salad
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter option
Freezer Instructions
1. Cool completely.
Never freeze hot food. Let it cool completely first (you can even refrigerate it overnight). Before sealing, wipe away any condensation inside the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Portion it for real life.
Freeze the amount you'll actually use. If your family won't eat a whole casserole in one night, divide it into smaller portions instead. Smaller portions also thaw much faster.
3. Leave a little room.
Don't fill containers all the way to the top, foods expand slightly as they freeze.
4. Label everything.
Write the recipe name and the date on each container so you know exactly what's waiting in your freezer.
5. Freeze.
I love freezing meals in 2-cup silicone freezer cubes. They're the perfect size for lunches or small dinners, stack beautifully, and thaw much faster than one giant frozen block.
How to Reheat
For best results, transfer your meal to the refrigerator the night before.
If it's still a little frozen in the center, microwave on the Defrost setting in 5-minute intervals until it can be broken apart easily.
Then simply reheat like you would any leftovers:
- Bake casseroles in the oven.
- Warm soups, pasta, and skillet meals on the stovetop.
- Use the microwave for quick meals.
- The air fryer works great for foods that should stay crispy.
My favorite freezer rule: Reheat food the same way you originally cooked it whenever possible. It almost always gives you the best texture.
Storage Tip: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy freezer meals within about 3 months.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Store cooked burgers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tips:
Add a little moisture (like a splash of water) when reheating to keep them juicy.
I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a review or a star rating below
Southwest Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup black beans slightly mashed
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Form into burger patties.
- Refrigerate if desired to help hold shape.
- Grill over medium heat, flipping once, until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole!
We loved these! Served them with guacamole