We really enjoy grilled burgers! How about you? But rarely (haha…punny!) do we have a beef burger anymore…turkey burgers have become our favorites. However, they can easily become dried out. This recipe—with the addition of roasted sweet potato and black beans—is one that practically guarantees a moist result. And tasty? Oh yes!

The preparation of these burgers takes a little bit of time…but one way to cut down on the time is to roast the sweet potatoes at an earlier time when you already have something going on in the oven. (After cooling) they can be stored in the ‘fridge for a few days. Also, I always prepare a double batch of these, then quick freeze them (raw) on a baking sheet. Wrap ‘em up well when frozen and keep them on hand for a quick, healthy but oh-so-yummy meal!  Enjoy!

Sweet Potato – Turkey Burgers

ingredients:

1 large sweet potato, cut into ½-inch cubes (approx 2 cups)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
20 ounce pkg ground turkey breast
2 tablespoons minced garlic (I use jarred w/ oil)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or more!)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
plenty of freshly ground black pepper

to serve: (options)
burger buns, or lettuce (Butter or romaine) leaves
sliced cheese (cheddar, jack, maybe something spicy)
thinly sliced tomato
thinly sliced red onion
avocado, sliced or mashed
condiments
sea salt, freshly ground black pepper

directions:

• preheat oven to 400; line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil)
• put cubed sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl, add olive oil and toss to coat .  pour onto lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes ‘til they are just tender.  remove from oven (keep the oven on)
• combine the cooked sweet potatoes and black beans in a food processor or blender—pulse just a few times ‘til just combined but still a little chunky
• combine the ground turkey and seasonings in another large bowl
• add the bean/sweet potato mixture to the meat and seasonings; use your hands to mix together ’til just combined
• refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to firm up
• with slightly damp hands, shape into patties and place on the lined baking sheet: 1/4 cup for sliders (bake for 15 minutes)…1/2 cup for small burgers (bake for 22-23 minutes)…1 cup for he-man sized (bake for 26-27 minutes) testing to make sure they are cooked through
• serve burgers warm with assorted toppings, condiments, and buns or lettuce wraps

♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen