Pesto Turkey Burgers with Mozzarella and Lemon Roasted Carrots

These pesto turkey burgers are packed with herby basil flavor from the pesto mixed right into the patties. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and fresh tomato slices, they’re served on toasted brioche buns with a creamy pesto mayo.

On the side, tender roasted carrots get a bright finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a complete meal that’s fun, flavorful and sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

2 unit CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground TurkeyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce PestoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel carrots and slice diagonally into ½-inch-thick rounds. Toss on a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until tender, 15-20 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, 2 tablespoons pesto, salt and pepper. Shape into two 4-inch patties.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook until browned on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Flip, cook 3 minutes, then top each patty with mozzarella. Cover the pan and cook until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through, 2-3 minutes more. (If no lid, use foil.)
4. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with remaining pesto to make pesto mayo.
5. Zest the lemon to get 1 teaspoon zest. When carrots are done, transfer to a bowl and toss with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice and pepper to taste.
6. Split brioche buns in half and place cut-side down on the baking sheet used for carrots. Warm in the oven for about 2 minutes. Slice tomato into rounds. Spread pesto mayo on the cut sides of the bun bottoms, then top each with a turkey patty, tomato slices and bun top. Serve with lemon roasted carrots on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe.

What can I use instead of brioche buns?

Any soft burger bun or even whole wheat buns will work. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shape the patties and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. Cook as directed when ready.