These Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese offer a healthier yet indulgent alternative to traditional beef burgers. The turkey patties are juicy and savory, and the sweet, tangy caramelized onions add depth of flavor. Topped with creamy provolone cheese and served on your choice of bread or greens, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Caramelized Onions:
-
3 large onions (halved and thinly sliced)
-
½ cup Balsamic vinegar
-
Water (as needed to deglaze)
For the Turkey Burgers:
-
2 lbs Ground turkey
-
½ cup Finely chopped onion
-
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
½ tsp Salt
-
½ tsp Fresh cracked black pepper
-
2 tsp Garlic (3 cloves), minced
-
1 tbsp Dried thyme
For the Toppings:
-
8 slices Provolone cheese
-
Balsamic caramelized onions
-
Bread of choice (whole wheat buns, pita, or greens)
Directions
-
Make the Balsamic Caramelized Onions:
In a skillet, combine sliced onions and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, covered. Once softened, remove the lid and continue cooking until the onions caramelize, adding water as needed to deglaze the pan. -
Prepare the Turkey Burgers:
Mix ground turkey, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Form into 8 patties, ensuring uniform size. -
Grill the Burgers:
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Cook the burgers for about 7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). In the last minute, add a slice of provolone cheese to each patty to melt. -
Assemble the Burgers:
Place each burger on your choice of bread, top with caramelized onions, and finish with the melted provolone. Add any extra toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles.
Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving):
-
Calories: 500 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
-
Protein: 35-40g
-
Fat: 25-30g
-
Saturated Fat: 9-12g
-
-
Cholesterol: 80-100mg
-
Sodium: 700-900mg
-
Potassium: 500-600mg
-
Fiber: 2-3g (depending on the bread choice)
-
Sugar: 8-12g (from balsamic vinegar and onions)
-
Vitamin A: 200-300 IU
-
Vitamin C: 8-10mg
-
Calcium: 150-200mg (mainly from provolone cheese)
-
Iron: 3-4mg
These values can vary depending on the specific bread used and the type of ground turkey (lean vs. regular). The burger is a high-protein, moderate-fat dish with a good amount of vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions
Here’s why Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese should be on your recipe rotation:
-
Lean, High-Protein Option: Ground turkey is a great lean protein, making it a healthier alternative to beef. It’s still juicy and full of flavor but with less fat. The turkey patties are made with a blend of savory seasonings, including garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme, which add richness and depth to the flavor.
-
Caramelized Onions Add Sweetness and Tang: Balsamic vinegar is the secret ingredient in the caramelized onions, giving them a unique sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey burgers. The onions are slow-cooked until golden and tender, adding an irresistible depth to every bite.
-
Melted Provolone Cheese: The provolone cheese melts beautifully over the turkey patties, creating a creamy and slightly sharp contrast to the sweetness of the onions. The cheese adds richness to the burger, making it indulgent without being overwhelming.
-
Customizable: These turkey burgers are incredibly versatile. You can serve them on a variety of breads, from whole wheat buns to pita bread, or even serve them as lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Add extra toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or your favorite condiments to make the burger your own.
-
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily prepare the patties and caramelize the onions in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prep. When you’re ready to eat, all you need to do is grill the burgers and assemble them with your toppings.
How to Make Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions
Making Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese is a simple, straightforward process. Here’s how to make this delicious meal from start to finish.
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Caramelized Onions
Start by preparing the balsamic caramelized onions, as they take the longest to cook. In a skillet, combine:
-
3 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
-
½ cup balsamic vinegar
Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, covered, to soften the onions. Once the onions are softened, remove the lid and continue cooking them until they caramelize, adding water as needed to deglaze the pan and prevent burning. The onions should become golden and slightly sticky, with a sweet and tangy flavor from the balsamic vinegar.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Burgers
While the onions are cooking, mix together the ingredients for the turkey burgers. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
-
2 lbs ground turkey
-
½ cup finely chopped onion
-
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
-
2 tsp garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
-
1 tbsp dried thyme
Mix everything together gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers dense. Once the mixture is combined, form the ground turkey into 8 uniform patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Grill the Burgers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill with some oil to prevent sticking, then add the patties. Cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C). In the final minute of cooking, add a slice of provolone cheese to each patty and close the grill to melt the cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
While the burgers are cooking, you can prepare the buns or your choice of bread. If you’re using whole wheat buns or pita, you can toast them lightly to add extra texture. Once the burgers are cooked, place each turkey patty on your choice of bread or greens. Top each patty with the balsamic caramelized onions and the melted provolone cheese.
You can also add other toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles, to enhance the flavor. If desired, drizzle with a little extra olive oil for added richness, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your turkey burgers immediately, accompanied by your choice of sides. Lebanese flatbread, pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad are great options to complement the burgers.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Twist on the Classic Burger
Juicy Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese offer the best of both worlds—a leaner alternative to beef burgers without sacrificing any of the flavor. The savory turkey patties, sweet and tangy balsamic onions, and melted provolone cheese create a deliciously balanced meal that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve them on whole wheat buns, pita, or as lettuce wraps, these turkey burgers are versatile, nutritious, and indulgent.
Give this recipe a try the next time you want a healthier yet flavorful burger option. You’ll love the depth of flavor and the ease of preparation, making it the perfect weeknight meal or weekend treat.