These turkey Parmesan patties or burgers are quick to make, inexpensive, and really, really good. They bake in the oven in about 45 minutes and are full of the usual chicken Parmesan flavors but with the added convenience of using ground turkey and no frying. The turkey patties or burgers come out soft and moist thanks to ricotta cheese in the meat mixture. You can use homemade or jarred spaghetti or marinara sauce. The main dish is great with almost any kind of pasta or with polenta on the side, and any leftover turkey patties/burgers make great lunches when zapped in the microwave. Enjoy!
Baked Turkey Parmesan Patties or Burgers -- Serves 4-6
1/2 a large onion, chopped (1/2-2/3 cup)
2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 stale English muffin, crumbled (or use a couple of pieces of sandwich bread)
2-3 teaspoons of Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
2-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3/4-1 cup of ricotta cheese (part skim is fine) or about 1/2 a 15-ounce container
16 ounces of ground, lean turkey (90-93 percent lean)
24 ounces (3 cups) of spaghetti or marinara sauce
Topping
1/2 cup of seasoned dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped or torn fresh basil, optional
Spritz a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl mix together well the onion, tomato paste, crumbled muffin or bread, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, pepper, 2-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and ricotta. Crumble in the ground turkey and mix it in until combined. Use the mixture to form six patties and place them in the prepared dish. Cover the patties with the spaghetti or marinara sauce. Bake the patties for 40-45 minutes or until baked through (at least 165 degrees on a meat thermometer) and the sauce is bubbly. Sprinkle the tops of the patties with the dried bread crumbs and two tablespoons of Parmesan. Return the baking dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the topping has browned a little. Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes and, if you'd like, sprinkle on some chopped or torn fresh basil before serving the patties.
