As an adult with reasonable influence over most events throughout my day, I feel responsible to feed myself with some measure of prudence and respect. The most recent savior of my culinary dignity: Chipotle Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers.
Now, I’m not saying that the occasional dinner trifecta of wine, cheese, and pita chips doesn’t have its place or moment of necessity, but for health reasons, I’ve recently had to start paying closer attention to my diet, specifically the amount of protein I eat on a daily basis. While I might be perfectly content to munch a PB&J in between errands or scoop fresh avocado right from its peel and call it lunch, I’ve learned that making a meal of these quick bites hasn’t been nourishing my body as completely I need.
As dreamy as it sounds to fix myself a hearty seasonal omelet every day for lunch or to be constantly pulling perfectly-seared salmon fillets from our grill, I have neither the time nor the means, and judging by the number of requests I receive for fast, healthy weeknight recipes, wholesome lunches, and budget-friendly, make-ahead meals, I suspect I’m not alone.
Chipotle sweet potato turkey burgers are everything I could hope for in a fast, healthy, and wholly satisfying meal. A blend of lean ground turkey, shredded sweet potatoes, and smoky chipotle spices, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes, packed with protein, offer a serving of veggies, and can be easily made ahead and reheated. Do they have super powers too? I wouldn’t be surprised.
About This Delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers Recipe
Though I love ground turkey as a healthy alternative to ground beef, I’m often hesitant to order turkey burgers, as they can be unapologetically dry. Not so with chipotle sweet potato turkey burgers! The shredded sweet potato does double duty by both binding the burger patties and keeping the turkey juicy and moist. It also adds a subtle sweetness to the turkey burgers that is a scrumptious pairing beside the smoky flavor of the ground chipotle chili powder.
I made the first round of these chipotle sweet potato turkey burgers for Ben and myself for dinner and loved them so much, I immediately made a double batch and individually froze the uncooked patties. Now, any time I’m in need of a fast, balanced, protein-packed meal, I just tap into my freezer supply by either thawing a patty overnight in the refrigerator (when I’m organized enough to plan ahead) or gently warming it in the microwave (when I’m not).
Finally, for those following a paleo diet, this sweet potato turkey burger base recipe is entirely paleo-friendly, and it is gluten free as well. I told you: super powers!
Toppings for Healthy Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers
- Cheddar. While you can put any of your favorite toppings on this turkey burger, I insist you top them with sharp, melty cheddar.
- Avocado. Creamy and perfectly suited for a turkey burger.
- Salsa. You’ll love the fresh salsa flavors on these burgers.
- Sour Cream. Greek yogurt would also be tasty here!
For serving, a bun is the classic approach (and Ben’s preference), but I most often enjoy my burger beside simply dressed greens with a little extra salsa…and extra cheese.
More Scrumptious Burger Recipes
- Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
- Avocado Burger with Chipotle Yogurt Sauce
- Breakfast Burger
- Green Chile Grilled Chicken Burgers
- Super Food Black Bean Vegan Burger
- Italian Turkey Burgers
- Classic Turkey Burgers
Chipotle Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers
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Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey I used 99% lean
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground chipotle chili pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 ½ cups grated scrubbed skin-on sweet potato (about 7 1/2 ounces or 2 very small or 1 large)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Extra virgin olive oil for cooking the burgers
For Serving
- 100% whole wheat hamburger buns toasted
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Prepared salsa
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- Place the ground turkey, garlic, chipotle chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Lightly mix with your fingers, just until combined. Fold in the grated sweet potato and cilantro. Form the mixture into patties that are about 1/2-inch thick (4 to 6 patties total).
- Meanwhile, generously drizzle a cast iron pan or other large, non-stick skillet with olive oil and heat over medium. Once hot, place the patties on the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on the first side, flip then cook 1 additional minute. With a cover for the skillet ready in one hand, pour a little water into the skillet, then cover it quickly, being careful as the oil will sputter. Let the burgers cook steam until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Towards the end of the cooking time, top with grated cheddar cheese, then recover and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve the burgers on toasted whole wheat buns, topped with sliced avocado, salsa, and sour cream as desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
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I agree about turkey burgers! I always get afraid to order because I’ve had my fair share of dry ones. I should probably just make this one at home and guarantee a big juicy burger :) it looks fabulous!
I fully believe these turkey burgers would make Dustin a full on turkey burger lover! Adding these to our freezer meals next week!
im not much of a turkey burger person but these look delightful..and adding sweet potatoes is a great idea.
I wonder if ground chicken would work or if it would be too dry? I have loads of chicken around but no turkey. :(
Hi Genevieve! I’ve never tried ground chicken, but I used such a lean mix of turkey (99% lean) I think it is totally worth a shot! I can’t vouch for it 100%, but I’m reasonably confident. If it comes out a little dry (which happened to me once when I overcooked a patty), just serve with extra avocado, cheese, Greek yogurt, or salsa, and it makes up for it. I hope that helps, and if you do try, let me know how it turns out!
Turkey burgers get a bad rep because of that! Yours looks anything but bland and dry-I love the addition of sweet potato! I can’t wait to try these, definitely saving this recipe!
When we were hiking in Steamboat over the Fourth, I told Mr. B I was craving a turkey burger. He looked at me and said, “who craves a turkey burger?” Clearly I need to expand his palate because these look amazing!
I’ve been trying harder lately to eat better as well – all too often after work, I end up just eating ice cream or pita chips with hummus for dinner! This burger looks awesome, I love the idea of adding sweet potato to the patty!
Hey girl- Very creative!!
I am definitely a turkey burger person and these look delightful, divine, wonderful… Have to make those ;-)
Love the fresh avo, this looks moist and delicious!
I came here when I heard about the sweet potato burgers but then I got too excited with your lovely theme and I kind forgot about the burgers lol. Girrrrrrrl your blog looks beautiful and so do your pics!! I’m in love! *-*
This year my family and I stopped eating red meat, we substitute with turkey, chicken and pork, so we are ALL about the turkey burgers. Mmmm! Absolutely love your idea of adding sweet potato. :)
Wow that burger looks absolutely delicious! Totally bookmarking and giving this a try. I also have to say your photography looks amazing, keep up the great work!
These burgers look so irresistible! Im really curious to try how sweet potato and turkey burgers taste :)
I’ll take two please!! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!
COOKING AND CONVERSATION
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYt54ZVSO4w
I found something different on a Youtube channel called cooking and conversation. It’s this Ivy league educated guy who teaches you how to make common food items but blends it with conversation about subject matter that we ALL can identify with, and he’s pretty funny too. He’s not politically correct , which is kind of refreshing. Check it out.
I wouldn’t have thought to use grated sweet potato in burgers – this is ingenious! I should really do what you do and freeze some uncooked ones. I’ll be much less likely to get Chipotle on the way home if I know these tasty burgers are waiting for me in the freezer!
I’m with you, I’ve been paying much closer attention to my diet lately, too. And I can say for certain that these need to be apart of it!!
Gosh these look so tasty! I love Chipotle spiced ANYTHING.
I’m a huge fan of sweet potato fries with a turkey burger…so this is just combining the two!
I LOVE turkey burgers, and your recipe looks amazing, Erin! So juicy and flavorful – pinned!! :)
I could not even finish my dinner before thanking you for sharing this recipe! I literally have the second half waiting on my plate! These chipotle turkey burgers are amazing, and my boyfriend wholeheartedly agrees. I am enjoying mine on a toasted whole wheat bun with plain Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato perfectly pairs with the chipotle spice.
Whooo hooo! This is a joy to hear Amy. I couldn’t be more pleased that you and your boyfriend are enjoying them so much. Thanks for even interrupting your meal to let me know how they turned out. I hope you love the leftovers just as much!
Will give this recipe to my daughter she loves sweet potatoes….and I may try it myself….sure sounds good…..thanks
Made these tonight for supper. I couldn’t believe how moist the sweet potatoes made the burgers as turkey burgers can be a bit dry. Have added to my favorites. Thanks so much.
Lori, I am so happy to hear that!! Now I am craving these again for dinner tonight :) Thanks for trying the recipe and letting me know how it turned out for you!
Any advice for how to grate the sweet potato? Could a food processor do the job? Thanks!
Hi Meghan! If your food processor has a grater attachment, that works really well. Otherwise a box grater (like what you would use for cheese) is perfect too.
Wow Erin these were great. Just made them for supper tonight. I have another turkey burger recipe but they always seemed so dry. These are incredibly moist. I knew they were a winner when my brother came back for seconds. They can be so well adapted to a diabetic diet as well. Thank you so much for posting this recipe it’s now my go to turkey burger recipe and I hope you don’t mind if I pass it on to as many people as possible so everyone can share how good a turkey burger can tasre
Cathy, I am ecstatic to hear how much you loved this recipe! I’d also be both grateful and humbled if you shared it with anyone and everyone! Thanks for spreading the turkey burger love :)
ERINNNN,
Your turkey burger game is strong. I literally just finished eating and I’m in love with this recipe. I will absolutely be making it again. Thank you!!
WHOOOO HOOOOO! I am so happy to hear this Jessica. Thanks for letting me know!
Very excited to try these! I know you mentioned that they’d last uncooked in the freezer for 3 months – how long would they keep in the fridge (cooked or uncooked)?
Kay, I think these would be safe uncooked in the fridge for 2 days (as long as the meat is fresh and they are well-wrapped) or cooked for 3 days. I hope you love them!
Hi Erin!
As my family and I continue to gradually improve our diet, your recipes are our go-to source for inspiration. These burgers came to mind instantly a few weeks ago when we were hosting a dinner guest on short notice who has to adhere to a restricted diet – but turkey and sweet potatoes were allowed. We were all blown away at how delicious these burgers are. We’ve made them 1-2 times a week since.
We’re going to make them on the 4th of July and were wondering if you could suggest an adaptation for cooking them on the grill? We were thinking maybe tented in foil? What do you think?
Angela, this means so so much to me! I can’t say enough how happy I am that my site is helping you enjoy a better diet <3. I'd actually still cook them in a skillet, but use one that is grill-safe, such as a cast iron skillet. It's important to be able to cover them to seal in the moisture. If you decide to play around with the grill, I'd love to hear how it goes!
Making these tonight and serving them (sans bun) with a salad! After reading the comments, I’m so excited! Will report back!
Ok well these will now be officially on our regular rotation!! My husband couldn’t stop commenting how “very tasty” they were! I served them without a bun, with a salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, avocados, cranberries, and a quick homemade balsamic dressing, and it all tied together very nicely. I wolfed it down so fast! Thanks so much for this recipe!!!
I’m glad they were a hit, Rachael! Thanks for giving the recipe a try and taking the time to leave this review too.
Did you change the chili from canned ancho chili’s? I seem to remember that was in this recipe??
Hi Margaret! I haven’t changed the ingredients for this recipe, so I hope you still enjoy it if you try it again!
This is by FAR our favorite turkey burger recipe! HUGE hit for the last 6 years—but I can never seem to make these patties stick together when flipping them. (?) Don’t get me wrong, we eat them no matter HOW they come out, but I can’t figure out why they don’t stay together. I’ve tried adding an egg, some almond flour, tiny sizes, bigger sizes…it’s a mystery—BUT as I said, we eat them no matter what because they are that delicious! Any ideas?
Hi Heather! So glad you enjoy the burgers, sorry to hear you are experiencing that problem. I haven’t had it myself but maybe you could try to refrigerate them a little before cooking? Maybe that would help you?
Oh my goodness, these are terrific!! I used the leanest turkey I could find and left out the salt on orders of my husband’s cardiologist. Really excellent to satisfy the craving for a juicy flavorful burger but don’t want all the fat. Double batch being made and frozen. I could see using different seasonings to change them up too (poultry seasoning and a cranberry relish could be a Thanksgiving Burger…)
Hi Stephanie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This is one of my VERY FAVORITE burgers now and I do not eat a lot of meat! So easy to make and so DELICIOUS!! OMG! I only use 1/4 tsp Chipotle because I enjoy the Spice and not too much! I just made a double batch and Freeze them all with wax paper or parchment paper between them. I put them in a used English muffin or bagel bag and put inside the new stronger Foodsaver bag. (so the bag does not get dirty and I can use it again without washing!) They cook up Perfect even if Frozen and taste much better than cooking first and freezing! I tried each way. When frozen, I just cook on both sides for two minutes to brown, before adding the couple tablespoons of water and cooking covered for 5 minutes. Cooks up perfect and I have with a salad or on a salad or with other steamed veggies. You could have on a bun too if you wish. Lots of FLAVOR without all the work…because I shred the sweet potato in my food processor on the smaller shred size and then put in the blade to make the shred a little shorter. Only takes me about three minutes after they are peeled and cut up to shred and chop a little. I now use an old plastic burger press with plastic wrap around each piece so the burger falls right out onto the plates after I press them, which I stick into the freezer until hard, about two hours. Now I have 9 – 12 burgers depending on the size ,for meals for myself! A lot for such a little effort! THANKS for this Yummy Easy Recipe!!
Hi Morgine! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and feedback!
I have been trying to make healthy meals and bought some ground turkey. I thought it’d be easy to find a recipe but I looked at so many that sounded kind of bland. I decided to give this one a try and I’m so glad I did! Absolutely delicious!! And I didn’t even have them on buns! I just had them beside a big green salad and some boiled potatoes with miso gravy. What a fantastic meal! Thank you😊
So glad you did too! Thank you Camille!