Healthy & Flavorful Turkey Burgers with Rich Mushroom Gravy: Your Ultimate Weeknight Salisbury Steak
Are you searching for a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to classic comfort food? Look no further than these incredible Turkey Burgers with Mushroom Gravy! This recipe is a fantastic option for a weeknight meal, offering all the satisfying flavors of traditional Salisbury steak but with the lean goodness of turkey. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet aligns perfectly with a wholesome eating plan, making it a staple for busy families and health-conscious foodies alike.
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This recipe transforms humble ground turkey into a satisfying and flavorful meal, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. The secret lies in the rich, savory mushroom gravy that coats the juicy turkey patties, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Forget dry, bland turkey burgers – these are anything but!
One of the best aspects of this dish is its simplicity and adaptability. You can use freshly formed ground turkey patties or opt for pre-made frozen turkey burgers (thawed beforehand, of course, to ensure even cooking). The absence of bread crumbs or onion soup mix, often found in traditional Salisbury steak recipes, keeps this version naturally low-carb and gluten-free, appealing to a wider range of dietary needs without compromising on that comforting, hearty taste.
The beauty of this recipe extends beyond just dinner. It’s an ideal meal for meal prep, as both the turkey patties and the mushroom gravy hold up wonderfully in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, ready-made meal throughout the week. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce leaner protein into your diet while still enjoying a classic comfort food profile.
Looking for more easy and delicious dinner ideas? Be sure to check out some of our other favorites:
- Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Cream Sauce: A pasta dish bursting with flavor.
- Easy Meatloaf Recipe: A classic done right, simple and satisfying.
- Spanish Pork Chops and Rice: A flavorful one-pan meal.
- Crock Pot Beef Tips and Rice: Tender beef, rich gravy, and minimal effort.
- French Bread Sloppy Joes: A fun and family-friendly twist on a classic sandwich.
These turkey burgers with mushroom gravy are more than just a meal; they’re a clever way to enjoy a beloved dish in a lighter, healthier format, proving that delicious and nutritious can go hand in hand. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to create this culinary masterpiece.
Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Mushroom Gravy Dinner
Crafting these delicious turkey burgers and their accompanying rich mushroom gravy requires a few simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Ground Turkey – The star of our show! For the best results, we highly recommend using an 85/15 ground turkey. The small amount of fat in this blend is essential for keeping the burgers moist and flavorful. While ground turkey breast is very lean, it can often result in dry patties, so aim for a blend with a bit of fat content for that perfect juicy texture.
- Fresh Mushrooms – The foundation of our savory gravy. We typically gravitate towards cremini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas) for their deeper, earthier flavor. However, common button mushrooms will also work beautifully, offering a milder taste. Ensure your mushrooms are cleaned and sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Aromatics: Onion, Green Onions (Scallions), and Garlic – These foundational ingredients are key to building layers of flavor in both the patties and the gravy. The onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the turkey, while the scallions and minced garlic provide a pungent, aromatic base for the mushroom gravy.
- Seasonings – A carefully selected blend of herbs and spices elevates this dish.
- Dried Thyme: Lends an earthy, slightly floral note that pairs wonderfully with both turkey and mushrooms.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle kick of heat, awakening the palate without overpowering the dish. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the turkey patties and balancing the rich flavors of the gravy.
- Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream – This ingredient is added to the gravy for creaminess and a slight tang, which brightens the overall flavor. Either plain yogurt or sour cream works well, offering a rich texture and a hint of acidity.
- Heavy Cream or Half and Half – To achieve that luscious, velvety gravy texture. Heavy cream will deliver a richer, more decadent sauce, while half and half provides a lighter, yet still creamy, alternative. Choose based on your preference for richness.
With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to creating a truly memorable meal!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Turkey Burgers with Mushroom Gravy
Making these turkey burgers with mushroom gravy is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these simple steps to bring this healthier comfort food to your table:
Preparing the Turkey Patties
First, let’s get those flavorful turkey burgers ready. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with shredded or minced onion, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers, so handle the meat lightly. Form the mixture into four equally sized round or oval patties. If you’re using pre-made thawed patties, simply season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the turkey patties into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature of the turkey patty should reach at least 165° F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here for accuracy. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate, covering them loosely to keep warm while you prepare the gravy.
Crafting the Rich Mushroom Gravy
Now for the star of the show: the mushroom gravy! Using the same skillet where you cooked the turkey (those browned bits are flavor gold!), add two tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat.
Add the chopped scallions to the melted butter and stir for a few seconds until fragrant, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, allowing the aromatics to soften and release their incredible scents. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add your cleaned and sliced mushrooms, along with dried thyme leaves and red pepper flakes. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and begin to brown nicely. This browning step is crucial for developing a deep, umami flavor in your gravy.
Once the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, reduce the heat slightly. Stir in the plain yogurt (or sour cream) and heavy cream (or half and half). Mix well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce. Season the gravy generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
Continue to cook the gravy for about 10 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the gravy to thicken slightly. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer, or whisk in a tiny amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and bring it to a simmer until thickened.
Finally, gently slide the cooked turkey patties back into the skillet with the rich mushroom gravy. Spoon the gravy generously over each burger to coat them completely. Let everything warm through together for a few minutes, allowing the patties to absorb some of that incredible flavor. And just like that, you’re DONE! Dinner is served, ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions and Dietary Adaptations
These turkey burgers with mushroom gravy are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While they are famously delicious served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, we often enjoy them as is, allowing the flavorful patties and rich sauce to shine. This approach makes the meal naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, perfect for those following specific dietary guidelines.
For a complete and balanced meal, consider pairing your turkey burgers and gravy with some vibrant vegetable sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed or Sautéed Green Beans: A classic pairing that adds a fresh crunch.
- Simple Green Salads: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich gravy.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: These vegetables roast beautifully and add essential nutrients and flavor.
- Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is an excellent choice that still offers that comforting, creamy texture.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Another great low-carb option for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Crusty Bread: If you’re not concerned about carbs, a slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the savory gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Burgers with Mushroom Gravy
We strongly recommend using an 85/15 ground turkey. This blend contains enough fat to keep the burgers moist and flavorful, preventing them from drying out during cooking. While ground turkey breast is a very lean option, it typically lacks the fat needed to produce juicy, tender patties and can often taste bland.
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add an even brighter flavor. If using fresh thyme, you’ll generally need about three times the amount of dried herbs. So, for this recipe, you would use approximately 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped thyme leaves instead of 2 teaspoons of dried. Always add fresh herbs towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their delicate flavor.
If your gravy is thinner than desired, there are a few easy fixes. You can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening it. Alternatively, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering gravy and cook for another minute or two until it thickens. Repeat with small amounts if needed, but be careful not to add too much at once.
Yes, with a few substitutions! For the butter, use a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. For the plain yogurt or sour cream, opt for a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt). For the heavy cream, full-fat canned coconut milk (the creamy part, not the liquid) or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute will work well. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a delicious and creamy gravy.
Leftover turkey burgers with mushroom gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating if the gravy has thickened too much.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes to Enjoy
Smoked Turkey Breast Easy And Perfect
Easy Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Burger Recipe
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Turkey Burgers with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
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Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 Scallions chopped
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 cups Mushrooms sliced
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tsp. Dried Thyme
- 1/8 tsp. Kosher Salt or Sea Salt
- 1/8 tsp. Ground Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. Plain Yogurt or sour cream
- 4 oz Heavy Whipped Cream/or Half and Half
- Salt to taste
Turkey Burgers
- 1 lbs. Ground Turkey
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 medium onion shredded or minced
- 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
Instructions
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In the large mixing bowl add ground turkey, onion, salt, and pepper. Form the patties.1 lbs. Ground Turkey, 1 tsp. Salt, 1/4 medium onion, 1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
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Cook the patties in a large skillet over medium heat with a few tbsp of oil until the internal temperature reaches 165° F.1 tbsp. Olive Oil
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Once patties are cooked, transfer to a plate and set them aside.
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In the saute pan, add butter and let the butter slightly melt.2 tbsp Unsalted butter
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Add chopped scallions, stir for a few seconds, then add minced garlic.3 Scallions, 2 Cloves Garlic
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Saute for a minute or so, then add cleaned, sliced mushrooms, thyme leaves, and red chili pepper.2 cups Mushrooms, 2 tsp. Dried Thyme, 1/2 tsp. Red pepper flakes
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Add the yogurt and heavy cream, season to taste.1/8 tsp. Kosher Salt, 2 Tbsp. Plain Yogurt, 4 oz Heavy Whipped Cream/or Half and Half, 1/8 tsp. Ground Black pepper
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Cook for about 10 minutes on medium-high temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent from burning.
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Return the patties to the skillet and spoon gravy over to reheat.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 7g |
Protein: 30g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Cholesterol: 102mg |
Sodium: 625mg |
Potassium: 587mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 2g |
Vitamin A: 811IU |
Vitamin C: 5mg |
Calcium: 89mg |
Iron: 4mg
This recipe was inspired by the delicious creation found at sandraseasycooking.