This Turkey Burgers with Roasted Sweet Potatoes combination creates a healthier take on the classic burger and fries meal without sacrificing any of the satisfaction or flavor. The turkey burgers are kept incredibly moist and flavorful with a blend of herbs, garlic, and a secret ingredient that prevents them from drying out, while the sweet potatoes are roasted until caramelized on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Seasoned with warm spices like paprika and cumin, the sweet potatoes provide the perfect sweet and savory contrast to the savory, herb-packed turkey burgers. This nutritious meal is naturally lighter than traditional beef burgers but delivers all the comfort and satisfaction you crave. The recipe serves 4 people and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling.
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (85/15 blend for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 burger buns, toasted
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
For Serving and Toppings
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Avocado slices
- Cheese slices (optional)
- Your favorite burger condiments
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into wedges about 3/4 inch thick at the widest part. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Seasoning the Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil until they are well coated and glistening. Add the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands or a large spoon, making sure each wedge is evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture. The spices should coat every surface for maximum flavor.
Roasting the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange the seasoned sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Overlapping will cause them to steam rather than roast, preventing that golden, caramelized exterior.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and caramelized and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
Making the Turkey Burger Mixture
While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the turkey burgers. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix the ingredients together with your hands just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough and dense. The mixture should hold together but still look somewhat loose and airy.
Forming the Perfect Patties
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from puffing up too much during cooking.
Place the formed patties on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while the sweet potatoes finish cooking. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Cooking the Turkey Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use an outdoor grill if you prefer. The cooking surface should be hot but not smoking.
Carefully place the turkey burger patties in the hot pan or on the grill, leaving space between each patty. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without pressing down on them, which can squeeze out the juices.
Finishing the Burgers
Flip the burgers carefully using a wide spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees and the juices run clear when pierced.
If adding cheese, place the slices on top of the burgers during the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt completely.
Final Touches on Sweet Potatoes
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven when they are golden brown and tender. Immediately sprinkle them with the fresh herbs while they are still hot so the herbs become fragrant and slightly crispy.
Let the sweet potatoes rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow them to finish cooking through from residual heat.
Assembling and Serving
Toast the burger buns lightly in a dry skillet or toaster until golden. This prevents them from getting soggy from the burger juices and adds a nice textural contrast.
Place each turkey burger on the bottom half of a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado. The creamy avocado pairs particularly well with the lean turkey.
Presentation and Sides
Serve the turkey burgers alongside the roasted sweet potato wedges on individual plates. The colorful sweet potatoes make a beautiful presentation and provide a nutritious alternative to regular french fries.
Consider adding a simple green salad or coleslaw to round out the meal and add additional vegetables and freshness to balance the heartiness of the burgers and sweet potatoes.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Leftover turkey burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make excellent additions to salads or grain bowls. The sweet potatoes keep well for 4 days and can be reheated in the oven to restore some of their original crispiness.
The turkey burger patties can be formed ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Customization Ideas
Try different spice blends on the sweet potatoes such as curry powder, chili powder, or even cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweeter version. The turkey burgers can be customized with different herbs like sage or basil, or add some heat with minced jalapeños or red pepper flakes mixed into the meat.
