15 Incredible Burgers That Aren’t Made with Beef
They’re just as savory and satisfying.
When you fire up the grill, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Big, juicy burgers, right? While there are plenty of other delectable grill recipes, there’s something about a meaty patty with the telltale grill marks on a soft bun with all the fixings that just feels right. But here’s the thing: Though this might sound controversial, burger recipes don’t have to be beef.
Whaaaat? If that was your reaction, just wait until you see this list of the best burgers besides beef. You’ll find ground chicken, ground turkey, and lots of vegetarian options that are just as juicy and savory. With the right seasonings and toppings, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying they can be. There are also just-as-meaty alternatives if you just feel like switching it up, like ground lamb and ground pork.
Why make non-beef burgers? Well, maybe you found another ground meat on sale and want to give it a shot. Or maybe you or someone at your table has dietary restrictions. Or maybe you just feel like switching it up to keep life interesting! There are plenty of reasons to give beef a break, and now you have 14 different ways to satisfy your burger cravings. Go fire up that grill!
Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers really don’t need much more than some Worcestershire sauce and seasoned salt for flavor. Have fun with the toppings, though! Here’s a suggestion: pesto mayonnaise, lettuce, avocado, and Swiss cheese.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Pork Burgers
Looking for something incredibly savory and satisfying? Go with pork! These burgers have mix-ins like bacon, onion, and sage that make them super flavorful. They grill up perfectly juicy, too.
Get the Pork Burgers recipe.
Lamb Burgers
If you’ve never had ground lamb burgers, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe will blow your mind. It's full of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cinnamon (yes, really!). Then top the burgers with an incredible feta sauce.
Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.
Chicken Burgers
Buffalo chicken is the best, isn’t it? Get that same flavor profile but in burger form. Sour cream and chives give the ground chicken moisture and flavor. But of course, it's the buffalo sauce and blue cheese that you really want.
Get the Chicken Burgers recipe.
Bison Burgers
Have you ever tried to make bison at home? Well, now is your chance! It’s a leaner yet still meaty alternative to ground beef. Top with cheddar, tangy BBQ sauce, and pickles for a satisfying bite.
Get the Bison Burgers recipe.
Blackened Salmon Burgers with Avocado-Lime Mayo
Yes, even fish can be turned into flavorful patties! The smoky blackened seasoning and creamy avocado-lime mayo add bold flavor, and this recipe is also great for weeknights since it comes together in about 40 minutes.
Get Ree’s Blackened Salmon Burgers with Avocado-Lime Mayo recipe.
Veggie Burgers
"I gosh darn love a good meatless burger," Ree Drummond says. And that’s coming from a woman who lives on a cattle ranch! You won't miss the meat in these tasty burgers. They are hearty, flavorful, and healthy, too!
Get the Veggie Burgers recipe.
Salmon Burgers with Sesame-Soy Glaze
These salmon burgers are covered in a sticky glaze and topped with a minty cucumber salad. Pile them on toasted brioche buns and you’ll wonder what took you so long to make them.
Get Ree's Salmon Burgers with Sesame-Soy Glaze recipe.
Black Bean Burgers
Want another meatless option? Try Ree’s black bean burgers that are both flavorful and filling. "I don't know how or why these are so good," she says. "They just are!" Top with the basics you love: lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Get Ree's Black Bean Burgers recipe.
Portobello Mushroom Burger
You can also make a vegetarian-friendly burger with big portobello mushroom caps. Their naturally meaty texture and ability to soak up savory flavors make them an excellent choice. (They also taste great layered on top of meat patties!)
Get Ree's Portobello Mushroom Burger recipe.
Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar
Spice up your turkey burgers with garlic, fresh dill, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to load them with flavor. Then switch up the toppings and go for classic cheddar, crispy bacon, and Dijon-mayo.
Get Ree's Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar recipe.
Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers
Chicken doesn’t mean boring! Here, a mixture of spinach, feta, and herbs flavors the patties perfectly. Then top the burgers with creamy tzatziki, pepperoncini peppers, and grilled onion for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get Ree's Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers recipe.
Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Black beans are Ree’s secret to vegetarian burgers. “Black beans and smoky chipotle chiles lend the flavor and texture of meat,” she explains. Add some provolone cheese and pickled jalapeños on top, just because you can.
Get Ree's Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe.
Pork Burgers with Grilled Peaches and Feta
While you’ve got the grill going, throw some peaches on there and layer them on juicy pork burgers. Some salty feta will balance out the sweetness for the perfect bite of summer.
Get Ree’s Pork Burgers with Grilled Peaches and Feta recipe.
BLT Turkey Burgers
Here’s another fun way to flavor turkey: Put bacon in the patties instead of on the burgers. Then top with tomato, avocado, and a spoonful of the sriracha mayo for a spicy little kick.
Get Ree’s BLT Turkey Burgers recipe.
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