Quick dinners are a fact. But fast food doesn’t have to derail health. Spicy Turkey BurgerSliders take turkey burgers to a new level. Score on convenience and lean protein with ground turkey!
As a kid, my family’s favorite meal was fried meat or chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. If it started with a dollop of Crisco, it was dose of comfort and my mom made everyone happy.
Food, glorious food
We eat because it tastes good. Because we are tired or stressed. Because it comforts us. Because it delivers health benefits. Food answers to a lot.
People often ask me, “What food should I eat? What should I not eat?” As a registered dietitian, I’m more coach than referee.
How much should I eat? How often should I eat?
I encourage enjoying food without penalty flags.
Deprivation and guilt aren’t welcome at my table.
I do ask how much and how often? Rather than swearing off something, such as chips or French fries, I think it’s healthier to learn to eat in moderation so you can enjoy food when you want them.
Normal eating includes overeating sometimes and under eating sometimes. But if you deprive yourself, it’s so easy to overdo when you “fall off the wagon.”
Thinking about fries here. Ten skinny fries are considered an official serving. And those chips? A serving size is about 15 chips, and even the smallest bags are labeled as two servings.
Eating habits should be sustainable in the long run. That fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy still comforts me. And I do eat it — about twice a year. In the meantime, I grill, roast, and braise meat rather than fry and use lighter sauces rather than gravy, like this roasted red pepper sauce or Greek tzatziki sauce.
The important thing is to eat more of the better-for-you foods than those that are not. How much? How often? A goal is ninety percent of food choices are those that deliver on the health front and 10 percent are treats or less-than foods.
If I were Queen
I often joke that if I were Queen, I would require my subjects take Home Economics, aka Family and Consumer Sciences. I can think of no better way to be master of your universe than knowing basic cooking skills and learning how to put healthier meals together.
Spicy Turkey Burger Sliders take turkey burgers to a new level
Spicy Turkey Sliders, cook the meatballs to 165℉
With games, meets, clubs, homework and hobbies, quick dinners are a fact of life. But quick doesn’t have to derail your energy or health. These protein-rich turkey sliders score on delish and nutrish. Ground oatmeal adds fiber and binds the meatball together.
Spiced ground turkey make these one spicy meatball! If you’re not a fan of spice, you might reduce the cayenne my half. But the bun and BBQ sauce do tame the flame.
cook ground turkey to 165°F.
The ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey, 95% lean
- ¼ cup oatmeal, pulsed a few seconds in food processor or blender to reduce to a coarse flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 small slider buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- cooking spray
Gently stir ingredients together. Form into meatballs. Grill or bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until meatball is 165°F.
Make these a day ahead by refrigerating uncooked meatballs.
Cook’s Note: Cook ground turkey to 165°F.
Pair these turkey burger with
Here’s another ground turkey recipe: Turkish Turkey Flatbread
Pin it for later!
P.S. Hungry for more healthy living tips and recipes? Sign up for my newsletter right here.
PrintSpicy Turkey Burger Sliders
Quick dinners are a fact. But quick doesn’t have to derail health. Delish and nutrish, Spicy Turkey Sliders score on convenience and lean protein!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Barbecue
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey, 95% lean
- ¼ cup oatmeal, pulsed a few seconds in food processor or blender to reduce to a coarse flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 small slider buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, ground oats, egg and spices. Mix gently just to combine. Shape 8 meatballs into 2-ounce balls, about the size of a small plum. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. They may be refrigerated overnight, covered.
- When ready to grill, heat grill to 350°F or medium heat. Cooking works best with indirect heat or a griddle. Spray griddle or grill surface lightly with cooking spray. Place meatballs on griddle or grill. Close lid. Cook 8-10 minutes (don’t turn too early or meatball may stick and fall apart). If cooking directly over flame, watch for flare-ups. Using tongs, flip the meatballs over. Cook 5-6 minutes more until the inside of the meatball is 165°F. If cooking over direct heat without a griddle cooking time could be shorter.
- Spread sliced buns lightly with mayonnaise or butter. Place on grill for a couple of minutes to toast. Place one meatball per bun. Serve with BBQ sauce as a dipping sauce.
Notes
Make these a day ahead by refrigerating uncooked meatballs. Lay on baking sheet and cover. Cook as usual.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
