Smoked Turkey Burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers, with a rich smoky flavor. These burgers are easy to make and can be changed to suit your tastes with different toppings. They are great for grilling in the summer.
It costs approximately $11. 56 to make these turkey burgers. The recipe makes six servings for about $1. 93 per serving.
As with any burger, smoked turkey burgers go best with tasty sides. Baked beans, corn on the cob, grilled peaches, and seven-layer salad are some of our favorites.
This smoked turkey burger recipe is quick and easy to make. It’s a great main dish for a picnic or BBQ! Top them with your favorite burger toppings, like pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, cheese, and more.
Smoked turkey burgers are leaner than smoked beef burgers but no less impressive in the smoker. For people with picky eaters, they taste about the same too! If you want another Traeger special to serve when it’s warm outside, these burgers are it!
If you want to take your turkey burgers to the next level, smoking them is the way to go. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the lean ground turkey meat. But smoking turkey burgers can be tricky. Cook them too fast or hot and they’ll dry out. Go too low and slow and you’ll be waiting forever for dinner. So what’s the ideal temperature and time to smoke turkey burgers?
Smoking turkey burgers around 300°F for 1-2 hours is ideal for getting the best texture and flavor This relatively low temperature gently cooks the patties while infusing them with smoky goodness Follow a few simple tips to ensure your smoked turkey burgers turn out moist and delicious every time.
Factors Affecting Smoking Time
The exact smoking time for turkey burgers at 300°F can range from 1-2 hours depending on:
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Size of the patties – Bigger and thicker patties take longer
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Meat texture – Coarsely ground turkey cooks slower than finely ground.
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Smoker type – Each model has different heat distribution.
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Location in smoker – Nearer the heat source cooks faster.
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Outdoor temperature – Cold weather lengthens cooking time.
An instant read thermometer is the best way to test doneness. Shoot for 165°F internal temperature.
Step-By-Step Smoking Instructions
Follow these steps for juicy smoked turkey burgers:
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Form patties about 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Gently dent the centers to prevent bulging as they cook.
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Prep the smoker for 300°F, filling the chip tray with apple, cherry, or pecan wood for flavor.
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Place patties on racks, leaving space between them for smoke circulation.
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Flip and rotate after 45-60 minutes. Check temperature of thickest burger at 1 hour.
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Remove from smoker once internal temperature hits 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Choosing the Right Wood
Fruit and nut woods like apple, cherry, and pecan give the best flavor for turkey:
- Apple – Sweet, mild, fruity smoke
- Cherry – Slightly tart, not overpowering
- Pecan – Rich and nutty but still delicate
Stronger woods like hickory or mesquite can overwhelm the turkey’s flavor.
Maintaining Moisture
Smoking lean turkey burgers presents the challenge of keeping them from drying out. Here are some tips:
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Mix in diced onions or garlic when forming patties – their moisture helps.
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Coat patties lightly in oil or marinade before smoking.
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Include a drip pan filled with water or juice in the smoker.
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Spritz patties with apple juice every 45 minutes while smoking.
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Avoid pressing burgers with the spatula as they cook. This squeezes out juices.
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Refrain from peeking frequently, which releases heat and moisture.
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Wrap in foil and let rest after smoking before serving.
Ideal Serving Combinations
Complement the smoky turkey patties with tasty toppings and sides:
Buns:
- Brioche
- Pretzel
- Potato
- Lettuce wraps
Cheeses:
- Cheddar
- Pepper jack
- Swiss
- Blue
Condiments:
- BBQ sauce
- Mayo
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salsa
Toppings:
- Avocado
- Caramelized onions
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Crispy bacon
Sides:
- Homemade fries
- Coleslaw
- Roasted veggies
- Side salad
Get creative mixing and matching flavors!
Freezing and Storage Tips
Properly stored, smoked turkey burgers will keep for:
- Room temperature – 2 hours
- Refrigerator – 3-4 days
- Freezer – 2-3 months
To freeze:
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Chill burgers fully after smoking.
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Package individually in freezer bags or parchment paper.
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Remove air and seal bags tightly before freezing.
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Label with contents and freeze date.
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Thaw in fridge before reheating to 165°F.
Safety Precautions
When handling raw turkey and smoked burgers:
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Always thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator, not at room temp.
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Use separate plates/utensils for raw and cooked meat.
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Wash all surfaces that touched raw turkey.
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Cook to 165°F internal temperature.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
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Reheat leftovers to 165°F before eating.
For the best texture and flavor, smoke turkey burgers around 300°F for 1-2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow to rest before serving with creative toppings and sides. Follow proper food safety guidelines and use an instant read thermometer for perfectly juicy smoked turkey burgers every time!
Smoked Turkey Burger Recipes
To get you started, here are a couple delicious smoked turkey burger recipes:
Smoked Turkey Burgers with Jalapeño and Cheddar
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 diced jalapeño
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 tbsp barbecue rub
- 6 burger buns
Directions:
- Mix ground turkey, jalapeño, cheese, and rub. Form into patties.
- Smoke at 300°F for 1-2 hours until 165°F internal temperature.
- Serve on buns with desired toppings.
BBQ Bacon Turkey Burgers
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 6 onion rolls
Directions:
- Form turkey into patties and brush with barbecue sauce.
- Smoke at 300°F for 1-2 hours, until 165°F internal temperature.
- Top with crumbled bacon and serve on onion rolls.
Get creative with smoked turkey burger recipes! They are sure to be a big hit.
How To Make Smoked Burgers
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
We use a wood pellet grill for most of this process. This recipe assumes you have a Traeger smoker/grill. If you’re genuinely unsure, stick with the Traeger signature blend!.
- Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Season the ground turkey and form it into ⅓ lb. patties.
- Prepare your smoker for 250°F and preheat for 15 minutes.
- Place the burgers directly on the grates and cook for about an hour. The burgers should be 165°F on the inside.
- Take them out of the smoker and let them rest while you make the burger toppings.
- Use your favorite toppings to make your burgers, and then enjoy!
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:Recipe Cost: $156Per Serving: $93
- 2 pounds ground turkey – $7.64
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt – $0.01
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – $0.05
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – $0.04
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – $0.01
- ½ teaspoon paprika – $0.02
- 6 hamburger buns – $3.79
You’ll also want your favorite condiments and toppings, of course!
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in May 2023.
Best Ever Juicy Turkey Burgers
FAQ
How long to smoke burgers at 300?
How long should you smoke turkey burgers?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 300 degrees?
How do you smoke a turkey burger?
Smoking gives turkey a deep flavor & helps it stay moist. Season ground turkey by gently mixing in the seasonings and forming it into 4 patties. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Put the burgers in the smoker and cook until internal temperature reaches 160 F. About an hour. Let burgers rest for five minutes and then build your burger.
Should you smoke ground turkey burgers?
Until you’ve smoked turkey burgers you haven’t cooked them to their potential. Smoking gives ground turkey burgers a deep flavor & helps them stay moist. They are delicious and easy! Everyone loves burgers! There isn’t anything much better than taking a big bite out of a juicy burger.
How long do you cook a turkey burger?
Flip over the burgers. Cook beef burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. Cook turkey burgers until cooked throughout, about 5 minutes on the second side.
How long do you cook a Turkey in a 300 degree smoker?
Turkey should cook at a rate of about 20 minutes per pound in a 300-degree smoker. While we usually recommend a slightly lower temp, 300 is as high as we would go if you want a smoked bird rather than a traditionally roasted one. For faster cooking, try spatchcocking the turkey beforehand.
How long does it take to smoke a Burger?
We found that smoking the burgers (we did about 3-4 burgers per pound if that helps you determine thickness) for 1 hour was the perfect time. Now, the time can vary depending on how DONE you want your burger but for us, this was “done” and no longer had blood running through it.
How do you cook burgers in a smoker?
Salt and pepper the tops of your burgers. You can salt/pepper as desired. See blog post for tips on what type of salt/pepper and how much depending on type. Place the burgers on the smoker racks (directly, no pan needed) and cook for one hour or until the desired doneness. (USDA recommends the internal temperature of burgers should be 160°.)