When you're in the mood for something juicy, spicy, and seriously satisfying—but a little lighter than your average cheeseburger—turkey burgers with green chile and pepper jack are the perfect go-to. This is no bland patty situation. These burgers are packed with flavor from roasted green chiles, melty pepper jack cheese, and a few southwest-inspired ingredients that elevate the humble ground turkey to new heights. Whether you're craving a change from the usual beef or looking for good turkey burger recipes to add to your rotation, this one delivers all the boldness with less guilt.
This recipe takes inspiration from southwest turkey burger recipes, adding a punch of heat and creamy cheese, but keeps things simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s also a solid step up if you’re wondering how to make turkey taco burgers or even reimagining your next turkey burger quesadilla. So fire up your skillet or grill—let’s dive in.
Turkey Burgers with Green Chile and Pepper Jack
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large Mixing Bowl To combine the turkey mixture.
Cutting board & sharp knife. For prepping veggies and chiles.
Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan Ideal for searing on the stove top (great for turkey burger recipes stove top lovers).
Spatula To flip the burgers without breaking them.
Meat thermometer (optional) Ensures patties reach a safe internal temp of 165°F.
Grill (optional) For those who want to turn this into a grilled southwest burger experience.
For the turkey patties
- 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey 93% lean is ideal for moisture and flavor
- 1/2 cup roasted green chiles canned or fresh, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the assembly
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 brioche or whole wheat burger buns toasted
- 1 avocado sliced or mashed (or swap with southwest guacamole)
- Shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- Tomato slices
- Red onion rings
- Southwest sauce or chipotle mayo optional, but highly recommended
Make the Patty Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, roasted green chiles, red onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or your patties may become tough.
Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into burger patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking.
Cook the Burgers
Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the turkey patties and cook for 5–6 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each burger and cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
(Pro tip: If you're a fan of spicy turkey burgers, consider adding a slice of pickled jalapeño or a sprinkle of chipotle powder right onto the patty before searing.)
Toast the Buns
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the skillet, grill, or in the oven. This keeps them from getting soggy and adds a bit of crunch.
Assemble the Burgers
Start with the bottom bun, spread with a layer of southwest sauce or chipotle mayo. Add your cheesy turkey patty, then stack on sliced avocado (or southwest turkey burgers with guacamole), lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Top with the other bun half.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, corn salad, or even tortilla chips and salsa. These are delicious on their own or with a side of crisp veggies for a healthy southwest chicken burger-inspired plate.
Pairings
What you serve with your burger can totally round out the experience. Here are a few pairing ideas to bring out the best in your southwest turkey burger recipe:
Side Dishes
- Mexican street corn (esquites)
- Grilled zucchini or bell peppers
- Southwest quinoa salad
- Chipotle black bean salad
- Sweet potato fries or seasoned oven wedges
Drinks
- A citrusy lime agua fresca or hibiscus tea
- Hoppy craft IPA (great with the spice from pepper jack)
- Jalapeño margarita for a bold flavor kick
Sauces
- Avocado crema
- Smoky chipotle aioli
- Homemade southwest sauce with lime, mayo, and chipotle
FAQs
1. What kind of turkey should I use for the best burgers?
Opt for ground turkey that is 93% lean. It has enough fat to stay juicy without being greasy. Super-lean (99%) turkey can be dry unless you’re adding extra moisture like cheese or vegetables.
2. Can I grill these instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes! These burgers are excellent on the grill. Just be sure to oil the grates well and handle the patties carefully since turkey is a bit more delicate than beef. This is a perfect excuse to turn it into a grilled southwest burger situation.
3. Can I make these spicy?
Definitely. Add chopped jalapeños or a bit of chipotle in adobo to the meat mixture for added heat. You could even turn this into a chipotle turkey burger by swapping out the green chile for chipotle peppers.
4. Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! Form the patties and freeze them raw with parchment paper between each one. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed. They make a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.
5. Can I adapt this recipe into something else?
Absolutely. Turn the cooked patties into a turkey burger quesadilla with some tortillas and extra cheese, or try wrapping them in lettuce for a low-carb california turkey burger recipe feel. You can also season them like fajitas and call it a fajita turkey burger—there’s plenty of room to get creative with turkey burger recipes.
