Cheddar Ranch Turkey Burgers

A lot of folks will lead you to believe that ground turkey is healthier than ground beef. That isn’t always the case.

Check your labels. Your ground turkey, unless it specifies ground turkey breast, may contain skin and dark meat, making it fattier and more caloric than your ultra-lean ground beef.

Ultra-lean ground beef can be bland, dry, and flavorless. And even though you can go lower-calorie with a low to no fat ground turkey breast, it can be bland, dry, and flavorless as well.

So how do you counter that and get a lean but flavorful, not-dry burger?

This ranch-seasoned tomato-laden saucy burger is anything but bland. It’s light but won’t leave you hungry, and will break up the typical summer fare you might feel like you have on repeat right now.

You know us – we do love our burgers. And this one won’t let you down!

Cheddar Ranch Turkey Burgers

Serves 4.

What You’ll Need:

1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
1 heirloom tomato, sliced
4 leafs Bibb lettuce
4 tbsp sweet barbecue sauce
2 tbsp Ranch dressing
4 soft sesame buns
other toppings and condiments to your liking

How to Make Them:

1. Heat grill to medium heat and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the ground turkey, ranch seasoning, and green onions together in a bowl until combined. Optional – shred the cheddar and mix it into the turkey. Form four patties and set aside on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

3. Cook the patties on the grill for about 6 minutes. Flip the burgers, and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Add the cheese and cook an additional 2 minutes to melt. If you mixed the cheddar into the turkey, cook straight through.

NOTE: Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165F for safety.

4. Toast the buns briefly on the grill or in a broiler until the edges are golden.

5. Assemble the burgers to your liking. We like putting the Ranch dressing on the lower part of the bun, adding the patty, and layering the patty with barbecue sauce, cheese, tomato, and Bibb lettuce.

6. Serve and enjoy!

NOTE: Turkey burgers aren’t exactly what you think of when you think of food and wine pairings, but they go great with a summery Rosé or a bright Pinot Noir.