I think this is my third burger post on The Common Plate.  You really can’t have too many burger preparations for the summer months.  This is one of my family’s favorites and the good news is, it truly tastes best with lean ground turkey!   This recipe comes straight out of The Barger Family Cookbook which is a compilation of classics from all of the Barger women and is given to each bride-to-be at one of her family bridal showers.  My Mother-in-law contributed this Southwest Turkey Burger recipe to the cookbook and ever since I got married in 2003, it has become a family favorite.  At first the kids were suspicious until I I described it as a “taco meat burger.”  That worked!  They love these burgers.  Top with whatever Southwest toppings you like and serve with my Chipotle Corn and Black Bean Salad for a healthy and fresh Southwest meal.

Southwest Turkey Burgers (Serves 6)

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey

1/4 cup unseasoned dry bread crumbs or panko

2 Tbsp milk

1 Tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

6 slices of pepper jack or monterey jack cheese

6 whole wheat hamburger buns

shredded lettuce

salsa or hot sauce (for those of you who are near me, Yabos hot sauces are delicious on this burger)

jalapenos, jarred, fresh or crispy (optional but a great addition if you like spice, find them near the croutons and salad toppings in the produce section)

Directions:

Mix first nine ingredients and shape into 6 equal patties.  Grill for approximately 7 minutes per side or until cooked through.  Top with cheese while grilling buns.  Add jalapenos, shredded lettuce and salsa or hot sauce.