Name: Stuffed Southwest Turkey Burgers with Pepper Jack & Guacamole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southwestern American
Ingredients: 1 pound 90% lean ground turkey or chicken; 6 ounces pepper jack cheese, diced into 1/4-inch cubes; 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles (mild or hot as preferred); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; Vegetable oil, for brushing the grill; Toasted burger buns; Avocado mash (see below); Salsa; Lettuce; 2 medium avocados, halved and pitted; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 lime, juiced; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Ingredients

1 pound 90% lean ground turkey or chicken

6 ounces pepper jack cheese, diced into 1/4-inch cubes

1 4-ounce can diced green chiles (mild or hot as preferred)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetable oil, for brushing the grill

For serving (as desired): toasted burger buns, avocado mash, salsa, lettuce, etc.

2 medium avocados, halved and pitted

1 lemon, juiced

1 lime, juiced

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium heat, about 500°F.

Step 2: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, diced pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with Kosher salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Gently combine with your hands until the cheese and chiles are evenly mixed—avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Using a burger press or your hands, form the mixture into 4 equally sized patties, making sure the cheese and chiles are stuffed inside the patties.

Step 4: Just before placing the burgers on the grill, use tongs to swipe a paper towel soaked with vegetable oil over the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the burgers over direct heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melty and oozing.

Step 6: While the burgers cook, prepare the avocado mash. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with lemon juice, lime juice, and salt. Add cilantro, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Serve the burgers on toasted buns topped with avocado mash, salsa, lettuce, or your favorite condiments. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot diced green chiles and controlling the amount of cayenne pepper.

Try adding finely chopped onions or jalapeños into the patty mix for extra kick.

Serve with a side of grilled corn or sweet potato fries for a complete Southwest-inspired meal.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness and melt the cheese again. The avocado mash is best consumed fresh but can be stored in a sealed container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface for up to 1 day to prevent browning.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill. Avoid making them too far in advance to maintain freshness and texture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook these burgers on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium heat. Cook similarly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese melts inside.