These Keto Turkey Burgers are hearty, flavorful, and a fun twist on the classic burger! They are juicy and topped with the most delicious caramelized onions and garlic aioli. These homemade turkey burgers are bursting with flavors. In addition, they are Whole30 and Paleo!

Keto turkey burgers with lettuce wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These turkey burgers are packed with flavor!
  • This is a fun change from the classic hamburger.
  • These Paleo turkey burgers are not dry or boring.
  • The lettuce wraps keep these burgers low carb, Keto, Paleo and Whole30.
  • The caramelized onions provide so much extra flavor.
  • These Whole30 turkey burgers are a great way to use ground turkey!
  • They are made without breadcrumbs, without egg, without sugar, and without Worcestershire sauce.
  • Use your favorite sauce, condiment or this Whole30 Garlic Aioli.
  • For another option, check out these Elk Burgers or these Gluten Free Burgers.

Ground Turkey

Ground turkey (or minced turkey) is made from the light and dark meat of turkey. It is ground together until the ground meat form is made. In addition, it is light pink in color and does not crumble.

Ground turkey is a great option for Whole30, Keto, Paleo and Low Carb. It is high in protein and healthy fats and contains no carbs. It has a slightly less intense flavor than ground beef. These Keto Turkey Meatballs are delicious!

When selecting a brand of ground turkey, check ingredients label. Double check there are no additives, preservatives or added sugars.

As with other ground meats, the higher the fat content, the more flavorful and tender the meat. More fat equals more flavor! I suggest using around 85% lean (15% fat) for this recipe, although it will work with any variety.

Keto turkey burger with caramelized onions and lettuce wrap

Stovetop or Grill?

These Keto turkey burgers can be made on a stovetop, grill, or even griddle. The stovetop is an easy method. I used a cast iron grill pan for these.

The grill is a great option to achieve a smoky flavor. I suggest brushing burgers with olive oil to prevent sticking before grilling. Check internal temperature to not overcook the burgers. Overcooked burgers are more dry.

A griddle is a great way to make a lot of burgers at once. Be sure to use a drizzle of olive oil (or butter) before cooking.

How to Make

Step 1

First, make the caramelized onions. Add butter and sliced onions to a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Cook for 5 minutes then lower heat. Cook on low for another 40 minutes or so, until onions are tender and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Caramelized onions in skillet

Step 3

Meanwhile, season turkey burgers with seasonings on both sides. Heat olive oil in skillet. Place turkey burgers in skillet.

Turkey burgers in skillet

Step 4

Then, cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooked turkey burgers in cast iron skillet

Step 5

Remove burgers from skillet. Then, make garlic aioli (or use desired sauce).

A white bowl with creamy garlic aioli and a silver spoon.

Step 6

Once onions are caramelized, assemble burgers. Place turkey burger on iceberg lettuce. Top with garlic aioli, caramelized onions and more lettuce if desired.

Whole30 turkey burger with lettuce bun

Expert Tips & Tricks

Be patient with the caramelized onions. Cooking low and slow is best.

Do not be afraid to use olive oil before cooking burgers. Turkey burgers tend to stick to the pan or grill more often than beef burgers.

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over this will yield dry burgers. I suggest using a meat thermometer for this.

If making ahead of time, store burgers, aioli and onions separately. Then, assemble burgers when ready to eat.

I find that iceberg lettuce is most firm and works best as “buns”.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else can I use as a bun?

Use roasted sweet potato rounds as buns, like I did in these Whole30 Burger Sliders.

Is ground turkey Whole30?

Yes, ground turkey is Whole30. Be sure to double check ingredients to make sure there are no added sugars or preservatives.

Can I freeze turkey burgers?

Yes, turkey burgers freeze well. Both the raw meat and the cooked burger can be frozen and thawed.

Can I make this without the caramelized onions?

Yes.

How do you keep turkey burgers moist?

Keep turkey burgers moist by not overcooking them. Cook until temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Do turkey burgers taste like beef?

Turkey burgers have a faint turkey flavor. They are much less intense than beef.

What other sauces can I use?

Use your favorite sauces! I love Whole30 Ketchup and Whole30 BBQ sauce.

Is turkey Keto friendly?

Yes, turkey is Keto friendly. It is high in protein and fats, and contains no carbs.

Keto turkey burger with lettuce and onions

What to Serve With Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers pair well with so many side dishes.

For Keto, pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

For Whole30, pair with sweet potato fries, Whole30 Coleslaw, Whole30 Onion Rings, or side salad.

You May Also Like

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! Check out my Ultimate Guide to Whole30 for more great recipes.

Keto turkey burgers with lettuce wraps
At a Glance:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Get the Recipe: Keto Turkey Burgers (Whole30, Paleo)

These Keto Turkey Burgers are easy, hearty, and flavorful. The ground turkey is savory, juicy, and healthy. These Whole30 approved turkey burgers are topped with caramelized onions and garlic aioli!
5 from 1 vote
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Ingredients

4 servings

Caramelized Onions

  • 1 large white onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter, or ghee

Turkey Burgers

Instructions 

  • First, make caramelized onions. Add sliced onions and butter to large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook on medium for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower heat to low and continue cooking for 40 minutes or until onions are soft and golden brown. Stir every few minutes to prevent burning.
  • Meanwhile, form ground turkey into 4 equal sized burgers. Season on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and salt.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
  • Once oil is hot, place turkey burgers in skillet.
  • Cook burgers for 5 minutes. Then flip and cook another 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove from skillet. Make garlic aioli and set aside.
  • Assemble burgers. Place turkey burger on iceberg lettuce. Top burger with a layer of garlic aioli and caramelized onions. Place iceberg lettuce on top if desired.

Notes

  • Be patient with caramelized onions.  Low and slow is the best way to cook them.
  • Stir onions every few minutes to prevent burning.
  • Burgers can be grilled if desired.
  • Turkey burgers are done cooking when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Feel free to use your favorite sauce or condiment.  See the Whole30 Garlic Aioli recipe.
  • If making ahead of time, store burgers, aioli, and caramelized onions separately.  Then assemble before eating.
  • Nutritional facts do not include aioli.
Calories: 257kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 135mg, Potassium: 425mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 292IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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