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!
Smoked turkey burgers are a delicious healthier alternative to beef burgers with a wonderfully smoky flavor. When smoking turkey burgers at around 300°F, the low slow heat gently cooks the patties while infusing them with smoky aroma and taste. But how long exactly should you smoke turkey burgers to get the best results?
Overview of Smoking Times for Turkey Burgers at 300°F
When smoking turkey burgers at a temperature of 300°F the approximate cooking time is
- 1 to 1.5 hours for patties that are 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
- 1.5 to 2 hours for 1 inch thick patties
However, a few factors can lengthen or shorten the smoking time needed:
- Size of patties – larger/thicker burgers take longer
- Meat texture – coarsely ground turkey cooks slower
- Location on the grill – proximity to heat impacts time
- Ambient temperature – cold weather increases cooking time
The only sure way to test doneness is by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Turkey Burgers at 300°F
Follow these simple steps for juicy, flavorful smoked turkey burgers every time:
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Form the patties: Make evenly shaped patties, 4 to 5 inches wide and 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Gently indent the center to prevent bulging as they cook.
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Prepare the smoker: Set up your smoker or grill for 300°F. Add soaked wood chips – apple, cherry or alder work well.
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Add the patties: Place patties directly on grill grates, leaving at least 1 inch between them for proper smoke absorption.
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Flip occasionally: After 45 mins to 1 hour, flip patties. Rotate if some areas cook faster.
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Check temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest patty after 1 hour. Remove from smoker when internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Allow to rest: Let burgers rest 5 minutes before serving so juices can reabsorb into the meat.
Choosing the Right Wood for Smoking
The type of wood you use impacts the finished flavor. For turkey, mild fruit and nut woods work best:
- Apple – Sweet, fruity smoke
- Cherry – Lightly tart and tangy
- Pecan – Rich, nutty hints
- Alder – Delicate without overpowering
Avoid more intense woods like hickory or mesquite which can overwhelm the turkey.
Maintaining Moisture and Tenderness
Smoking lean ground turkey brings the challenge of preventing dryness. Here are some tips:
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Use a blend of white and dark turkey meat for added moisture.
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Mix in chopped onions and garlic which add juice.
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Brush patties with oil or marinade before smoking.
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Include a pan of water or apple juice in the smoker.
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Mist patties with apple juice occasionally during smoking.
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Avoid pressing down on patties while cooking.
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Limit opening the smoker during smoking.
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Wrap in foil and rest after smoking.
Ideal Serving Suggestions for Smoked Turkey Burgers
Smoked turkey burgers pair well with various flavors and toppings:
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Buns: Brioche, pretzel, lettuce wraps, burger buns
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Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, blue cheese
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Condiments: BBQ sauce, mayo, mustard, salsa, ketchup
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Toppings: Bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, mushrooms
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Sides: Sweet potato fries, baked beans, coleslaw, side salad
Get creative mixing and matching components to customize your perfect smoked turkey burger!
Storing and Freezing Leftover Burgers
Like any cooked meat, smoked turkey burgers can be frozen:
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Cool burgers fully after smoking before freezing.
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Wrap each patty in foil or freezer bag. Remove excess air.
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Label with contents and date before freezing.
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Frozen burgers stay good for 2-3 months.
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Thaw refrigerated overnight before reheating on the grill or skillet to 165°F.
Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days maximum for best quality and food safety. Reheat to 165°F before serving.
Food Safety Tips
Always follow proper guidelines when cooking turkey:
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Thaw frozen patties in the fridge only.
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Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils.
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Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw turkey.
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Smoke burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
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Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Don’t eat cold after refrigerating.
Troubleshooting Smoked Turkey Burgers
Problem: Burgers come out dry and tough.
Solution: Use dark meat, don’t overwork the meat when forming patties, mist with juice during smoking, rest after cooking.
Problem: Burgers stick to the grill grates.
Solution: Oil grates well before adding patties. Use a metal spatula to gently loosen stuck areas.
Problem: Burgers have bland flavor.
Solution: Use fruit wood for smoking instead of more intense wood. Season well before smoking.
Problem: Burgers are underdone in the center.
Solution: Cook larger or thicker patties longer, until 165°F internal temperature.
Smoking Turkey Perfection
Smoking turkey burgers at 300°F for 1 to 2 hours delivers ideal results – juicy texture, robust smoky flavor, and great nutrition. Monitor temperatures and experiment with flavors to make sensational smoked turkey burgers!
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°.)