Juicy Turkey Smash Burgers with Crispy Edges and Melty Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These smashed turkey burgers are juicy, flavorful, and ready fast. They feature perfectly cooked onions, melty cheese, and room for your favorite toppings — all nestled in a soft bun.

This is a quick, simple recipe that delivers big on taste. If you haven’t tried a smash burger cooked over sliced onions, you’re in for a treat. They’re great for weeknights, cookouts, or anytime you want a satisfying burger without fuss.

Traditional smash burgers are often pressed on a very hot griddle, but this version uses a nonstick skillet and medium heat. Form the meat into patties and press them down with a nylon or silicone spatula — it produces the same deliciously crisp edges and juicy interior.

Need dinner in under 20 minutes? These burgers come together quickly and pair nicely with a pasta salad or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Ground turkey: Use 93% lean ground turkey for the best flavor and texture. You can use 99% lean for fewer calories, but the burgers may be drier. Ground chicken or beef can be substituted.
• Yellow onion: Slice one large or two small yellow onions. White or red onion also work.
• Olive oil: A few teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil or your preferred cooking oil to sauté the onions and cook the patties.
• Burger seasoning: Use store-bought burger seasoning or a homemade blend. Sprinkle on the patties while cooking rather than mixing into the meat.
• Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, or American cheese slices melt well on these burgers.
• Buns: Whole wheat, white, or potato rolls — choose your favorite.
• Toppings: Lettuce, pickles, tomato, avocado, ketchup, burger sauce, or bacon. These burgers are juicy enough they don’t require a sauce, but add whatever you prefer.

The full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Turkey Smash Burgers

Follow these straightforward steps for juicy, well-cooked burgers every time.

1. Divide 1 pound of ground turkey into four equal portions and form each into a loose patty.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add half of the sliced onions and cook for 1 minute.

3. Push the onions into two circular mounds and place a patty on each. Immediately smash each patty flat with a nylon or silicone spatula. If desired, place a piece of parchment between the spatula and the meat to prevent sticking.
4. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of burger seasoning over each patty. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip the burger and onions. Add a slice of cheese to each patty and cook another 3 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through. Remove from the pan.

5. Wipe out the skillet and repeat steps 2–4 with the remaining onions and two patties. Serve the burgers on buns with your preferred toppings and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Top these turkey smash burgers with lettuce, pickles, tomato, avocado, or your favorite condiments. They pair nicely with pasta salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make ahead: If desired, form patties and separate them with parchment paper, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

To store: Leftover cooked burgers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Ground Turkey Recipes

• Turkey Burrito Bowls
• Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
• Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

If you make this recipe, please come back to leave a rating and comment — I’d love to hear how yours turned out.