Looking for a healthy, flavor packed burger recipe? Then these Turkey Parmesan Burgers are just for you!
I know, I know, where’s the gingerbread and Christmas cookies I promised? Don’t fret, they are coming your way soon! I recognized last night as Mr. CEO and I were headed out to a Christmas party and my dress wouldn’t zip that perhaps it’s best I hold off and remind myself whole meals should be part of the holiday equation too! Enter, Turkey Parmesan Burgers from The Foodie Physician.
Thank goodness for beautiful coats for the win. Luckily San Diego was a bit cooler last night and I was able to jazz up my makeup and shoes and throw on my PJ’s (just kidding) under my warm Christmas coat to keep me fashionable but able to breathe. Ladies, a must try!!! If you take nothing else from my words of wisdom, this is a gold mine for comfort.
Now that the reality check has hit me and I need to be more mindful of what I am eating, I decided to consult my fellow blogger friend’s latest cookbook, the Natural Pregnancy Cookbook, by Dr. Sonali Ruder. Before you get your mind spinning, Santa did not answer our Christmas wishes early this year and there’s no Baby Shaw on the way. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the beautifully delicious recipes The Foodie Physician has within her latest book!
These Turkey Parmesan Burgers I’m sharing with you today are the perfect dinner to whip up for the whole family, especially if you have a big group of visitors headed your way. The festive red and green colors from the marinara and fresh basil really add a pop of the holiday spirit while providing the comfort a burger provides. Plus, you can easily adjust this to suit your gluten free guests with just a few minor swaps- #winner!
Dr. Ruder’s book is an excellent gift to share with your friends who are expecting or have little ones in the house. It’s a great read that has sound information to support the nourishing recipes that fill the last 100+ pages of the book.
Though I’m sure you’d get some looks if you gifted this to your brother in law, the recipes are legit so after the initial shock of receiving a pregnancy cookbook I’m certain any foodie would be thrilled to have this in their collection!
Here’s to remembering that whole foods should fit into the Christmas equation too! 🙂 Now, stay tuned for those Gingerbread Delights and Hot Cocoa Chocolate Cake Bars coming later this week-LOL!

Turkey Parmesan Burgers from The Foodie Physician
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 6 tablespoons marinara sauce divided use
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 4 whole grain hamburger buns
- *fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Mix the turkey, 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, garlic, cheese, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a large bowl.
- Form into four patties.
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat and add the patties.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until cooked to 165*F.
- During the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons shredded cheese on top of each burger and cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
- To serve, place the patties on toasted hamburger buns. Top each patty with 1 tablespoon marinara sauce and a few basil leaves.
- Add the bun top and serve!
GiGi Eats says
Minus the cheese and I AM ALLLLLL about these burgers!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
🙂 see, simple and easy to modify for everyone to enjoy!
Diane says
Sonali’s book is full of so many delicious recipes that are easy and practical. I love this one you picked to showcase!
Elizabeth Shaw says
I totally agree with you! Love the book- can’t wait to see what else she comes up with!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
I LOVE turkey burgers! Great use of spices and cheese in here, gotta get that cookbook!
Melanie says
I love your review, and this recipe looks amazing! Thanks for reminding me of all the good foods and recipes that aren’t full of sugar that are still available to eat! 😉
Elizabeth Shaw says
LOL you are quite welcome (as I polish off a cookie hah). Enjoy!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
I love a good turkey burger! Hopefully you’ll get a lot of use out of this cookbook soon! 😉
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Melanie! I appreciate the good vibes 🙂
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I also love Sonali’s book and totally agree you don’t have to have a baby on the way to enjoy her recipes (although I hope your wish comes true this year!). Love the addition of marinara to the burger and as a topping. So yummy!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Jessica! She’s great! Here’s to hoping for big things in 2016!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Janice- I bet! I remember what the blizzards of Chicago felt like and I was head over heels for my George Forman during those times lol! I hope you get a chance to whip these up!
Sonali Ruder- The Foodie Physician says
Thanks for the wonderful review! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and the recipes. It looks like the turkey burgers came out great! Since I moved to South Florida, I actually miss the cooler weather and wearing fall/winter clothes. When I’ve hit the eggnog too hard I usually eat a lot of salmon and other seafood, veggies/salad, and try to drink lots of water. Happy holidays!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Water- yes! I knew I needed to add that back in lol- to much of the local New Zealand wine must have got to me! Thanks again for the opportunity to receive your book!
EA-The Spicy RD says
Yummy burgers-I love all the recipes in Sonali’s book! Speaking of the eggnog equation, we had some last night while decorating our tree, and it was delicious! I try and eat more main dish salads when I’ve reached my eggnog quota-that and just trying to eat more veggies in general, which leaves less room on my plate for the other stuff 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Great advice! I think I just may need to find something to whip up with that zucchini I have in the fridge today to take up my entire plate lol!