BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
Love juicy, flavorful burgers but want a healthier option? These BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers are the answer. After making them dozens of times, I’ve perfected the technique to keep them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The secret? Smashing them while they cook. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Mouthwatering Black Bean Quinoa Burgers and Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with Cilantro Crema Bliss.
Why This BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Packed with BBQ ranch flavor
- Healthier than traditional burgers
What You'll Need for BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- ground turkey
- BBQ sauce
- ranch dressing
- buns
- lettuce
- tomato
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- smoked paprika
- Optional: cheese
- Optional: bacon
- Optional: avocado
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- ground turkey: Use 90/10 or 85/15 for the best texture
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Grill Pan — Even cooking and easy flipping → See on Amazon
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, safe turkey → See on Amazon
How to Make BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
- Prepare the patties: Mix ground turkey with seasonings. Form into 4 equal patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the burgers: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, smashing with a spatula halfway through.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread BBQ sauce on both halves of the bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the turkey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: Smash the burgers while they cook to create a crispy crust and lock in juices.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, mix some BBQ sauce into the turkey mixture before forming the patties.
Storing & Reheating BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare patties up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Freezing BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat patties for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Microwave patties for 30-60 seconds. Toppings may be added after reheating.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey.
- Make-ahead: Prepare patties up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If burgers are sticking to the grill, make sure the grill is hot enough and well-oiled.
Want to level up this recipe?
Grill Brush — Ensures a clean, non-stick surface for perfect burgers → Check price on Amazon
BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground turkey
- BBQ sauce
- ranch dressing
- buns
- lettuce
- tomato
Seasonings
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- smoked paprika
Optional Toppings
- cheese
- bacon
- avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the patties: Mix ground turkey with seasonings. Form into 4 equal patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the burgers: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, smashing with a spatula halfway through.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread BBQ sauce on both halves of the bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey.
- Make-ahead: Prepare patties up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If burgers are sticking to the grill, make sure the grill is hot enough and well-oiled.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
- Oven reheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat patties for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwave patties for 30-60 seconds. Toppings may be added after reheating.
- Make ahead: Prepare patties up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, prepare patties up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry burgers. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Yes, freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Yes, cook patties at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Ground chicken or beef can be used as a substitute.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burgers – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
