This is a variation of the beef and bean burgers base recipe featured in our Whole Life Meal Plan. If you are a fan of white chili, then this burger is for you! Made with white beans, green chilies, lean turkey, and spices, this green chili turkey burger is as tasty as chili, but way easier to hold!
Three Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Green Chili Turkey Burger
If you have picky eaters, dice the onion finely so that they don’t notice them.
When mixing the ingredients or forming the patties, don’t overwork the meat. Otherwise, the burgers will turn out tough.
Match the patty size to your bun, noting that they will slightly shrink. No one likes a tiny patty on a big bun!
Use a food thermometer to check for doneness. 165ºF is the desired internal temperature for poultry for food safety.
You can cook these burgers on the stovetop instead of the oven, but note they don’t stay together quite as well. Heat a skillet over medium. Add oil to the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the patties. Cook 4-5 minutes per side.
If cooking burgers on the stovetop, remember the 3 F’s of flavor: fire, fat, and food! Heat your pan, heat your oil, then add the burgers. Once the burgers are on the skillet, don’t move them around. Keeping them in place helps ensure maximum flavor development and browning.
Ingredient Substitutions
- White Beans: use any low-sodium white bean of your choice. Cannellini, great northern, or navy will all work. You can also use 1 ½ cups of leftover beans from our stovetop or Instant Pot beans base recipes.
- Ground Turkey: substitute ground 93% lean turkey, grass-fed beef, bison, lamb, venison, or chicken.
- Green Chilies: use mild, medium, or spicy canned varieties. You can also use ½ cup freshly roasted green chilies.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: substitute plain, whole wheat, or seasoned bread crumbs, but cut back on the added salt if you do. Panko is typically very low in sodium. If you want burgers without breadcrumbs, leave them out! Just note that they might not hold together as well.
- Red Onion: use white, yellow, or green onions. You can also substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Cilantro: substitute Italian parsley or chives, but note the flavor will be different.
- Garlic: substitute ½ teaspoon garlic flakes, ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic, or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: substitute canola or avocado oil.
Recipe Variations
Mix ¼ cup shredded cheese into the burger mixture for some gooey cheesy goodness.
Turn these turkey burgers into sliders by reducing the patty size to ~2 inches in diameter.
We have only cooked turkey burgers with beans in the oven or on the stovetop, but you are welcome to try grilling them. We’d love to hear how they turn out for you!
Use these other burger recipes for inspiration, then have fun exploring other flavors and ingredients!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success:
- Mixing Bowl
- Masher
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet or griddle
- Thermometer
Is this green chili turkey burger recipe healthy?
These bean and turkey burgers are a much healthier choice than their greasy counterparts; by adding beans and replacing beef with turkey, you increase fiber while decreasing saturated fat. The featured ingredients in this recipe are white beans, turkey, and cilantro.
White Beans
Beans of all varieties contain plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients promote gut health, decrease risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and promote a healthy weight. Beans are a key component of longevity diets around the world.
Turkey
Turkey is a lean source of protein. It is also rich in B vitamins and minerals, such as iron.
Cilantro
Not only do fresh herbs add a pop of freshness and flavor to a dish, but they add nutrition too! Cilantro is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that promote health.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with roasted vegetables and a side salad for a balanced meal that the whole family will love!
Serve leftover patties crumbled into tacos or quesadillas, or on top of a salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
How to Store and Reheat Turkey Burgers
Cool leftover burgers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Leftover burgers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-4 hours. Once the burgers are partially frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.
To reheat, place burgers on a pan and place in a cold oven. Turn the oven to heat to 350ºF. Once the oven hits 350° F, your burgers should be warmed and ready!
Want more nutritious dinner recipes?
Try out these delicious recipes!
Healthy Beef Tacos with Mushrooms
Salmon with Yogurt Sauce Base Recipe
Green Chili Turkey Burger with White Beans
Ingredients
- 1, 15- ounce can low-sodium white beans, drained (not rinsed)
- 1 pound 99% lean ground turkey
- 1, 4- ounce can diced green chilies, drained
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs (whole grain suggested)
- ¼ cup chopped, fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced (~1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash pepper
- ½ Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 whole grain hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Toppings to YOUR taste
- Sliced tomato
- Lettuce or leafy greens
- Sliced or mashed avocado
- Pickled jalapeños
- Ketchup or salsa
- Sliced pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.
- Place drained beans in a large mixing bowl and lightly mash.
- Add turkey, chillies, crumbs, cilantro, onion, egg, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Lightly brush a baking sheet with oil. Create 8 patties with your hands and place on the pan, spaced at least 1” apart.
- Cook 10-12 minutes or until cooked through to 165ºF. Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings. Enjoy!
