President Paul McIlhenny’s favorite food for using Tabasco sauce is cheeseburgers. The combination of onions, mayo, cracked pepper, and Tabasco creates a flavorful and spicy experience. These Turkey Bean Burgers take inspiration from his preference and add a twist by incorporating ground turkey, pinto beans, and a variety of herbs and spices.
INGREDIENTS:
- Olive oil, as needed
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice (leftover rice works well)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1½ tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
PREPARATIONS:
- Prepare a medium-high fire in a charcoal or gas grill.
- Heat a little oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion until soft, for about 10 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer the pepper and onion mixture to a bowl.
- In the same bowl, combine the sautéed pepper and onion mixture with the cooked white rice, ground turkey, pinto beans, hot sauce, chopped fresh cilantro, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 6 burger patties.
- Brush the grill rack with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the burgers for 7 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve the turkey bean burgers on hamburger buns.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make sure the ground turkey is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your desired level of spiciness.
- You can customize the toppings for the burgers with additional ingredients such as sliced cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo, or Tabasco sauce.
TIPS:
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground turkey with a meat alternative like plant-based ground meat or mashed cooked sweet potatoes.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked white rice, or utilize leftover rice from a previous meal.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a variation in flavor and texture.
- Serve the turkey bean burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
SERVES 6
Enjoy these delicious and spicy turkey bean burgers, packed with flavors and a touch of heat from the hot sauce. The combination of ground turkey and pinto beans creates a lean and protein-packed patty that is both nutritious and satisfying. The addition of sautéed red bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices adds depth and complexity to each bite.
Grilling the burgers imparts a smoky and charred flavor, further enhancing their deliciousness. Feel free to customize your burgers with your preferred choice of condiments, cheese, and fresh veggies. These turkey bean burgers are perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or whenever you’re in the mood for a tasty and healthier burger alternative.
So fire up the grill, get your condiments ready, and savor the mouthwatering combination of flavors in every bite of these Turkey Bean Burgers. Enjoy the unique blend of President Paul McIlhenny’s favorite Tabasco sauce, onions, mayo, and cracked pepper, and let your taste buds dance with delight.
