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Ooey Gooey Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Burgers

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl to combine your ground turkey and seasonings
  • Grill or stovetop skillet use a grill pan if you're indoors
  • Spatula or burger press helpful for flattening the burgers
  • Meat Thermometer ensures your turkey is cooked to 165°F
  • Optional: Burger stuffer tool makes creating a cheese pocket easier, but you can also just use your hands

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds ground turkey preferably 93% lean for a balance of moisture and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese low-moisture works best for stuffing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for grilling or pan-searing
  • Burger buns toasted
  • Your favorite turkey burger toppings: lettuce tomato, red onion, avocado, pickles, etc.

Instructions
 

Make the burger mix

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently—overworking the meat makes dry burgers.

Form patties

  1. Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into a thin patty. Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella in the center of 4 of them. Top each cheese-filled patty with another plain patty and pinch the edges to seal well. Gently flatten into burger shapes.

Preheat your grill or skillet

  1. Drizzle olive oil over the patties or on the grill/skillet surface. Heat to medium-high.

Cook the burgers

  1. Grill or sear the burgers for 4–5 minutes per side or until a thermometer reads 165°F internally. Avoid pressing down while cooking—let that cheesy center stay molten!

Rest and build

  1. Let the burgers rest for 2–3 minutes before assembling. Toast your buns and layer up with your favorite turkey burger toppings like creamy avocado, crunchy lettuce, and a tangy sauce of your choice.