Mexican Turkey Sliders (or Burgers)

When I got home this evening, I didn't have any idea what to make for dinner...but I wanted to make something using the pound of ground turkey breast that I had in the fridge.  I also had some leftover buttermilk biscuits that I made earlier in the week and the little wheels began turning in my head.  For whatever reason, "sliders" came to my mind (probably because they would fit perfectly on the biscuits).  I thought about how I wanted to season them and decided to make them Mexican style, so I quickly made up a little batch of my taco seasoning to flavor them with (along with salsa and grated Monterey Jack cheese).  They turned out flavorful, juicy and delicious.  I decided to stay with the Mexican theme for my side dish of veggies too.  I lightly sauteed some sliced fresh yellow squash and zucchini in a little olive oil until crisp-tender and then seasoned it with some of the extra taco seasoning and tossed in some quartered cherry tomatoes and cooked for another minute or two.  I topped the veggies with some crumbled queso fresco cheese leftover from making the beef fajitas on New Year's eve...and presto, my delicious Mexican style meal came together!  Below you will find a few photos as well as the recipe for my Mexican Turkey Sliders.  Enjoy!

Voila!

BOOM!

Just beginning to sizzle...

Ta-Da!!!

Mexican Style Turkey Sliders

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. ground turkey breast (or regular ground turkey or beef)
4 tablespoons olive oil (2 for the burgers if using turkey breast and 2 for the pan to saute them)
4 teaspoons of taco seasoning (recipe below)
1/4 cup salsa of your choice (I used fresh salsa)
1/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.  Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into small burgers (sliders).  In a large non-stick skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or preferred oil) and heat to medium.  When the pan is hot, add the burgers and cook approximately 5 minutes or so on each side or until golden brown.  Flip and continue cooking on the other side until done (no pink remaining).  Remove when burgers are cooked through and golden brown.  If desired, serve topped with salsa, avocado, tomatoes or sour cream. 

*Note:  See taco seasoning ingredients below.

*  Taco Seasoning (blend all ingredients together in a small bowl):
    2 teaspoons chili powder
    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
    1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
    1/4 teaspoon paprika
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    1 teaspoon black pepper

Makes approximately 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning (enough to season approximately 1 pound of meat).