Turkey Burger Reuben Patty Melts combine two sandwich classics into one satisfying, lighter option. A lean turkey burger is nestled between slices of whole-grain rye with a tangy Russian-style dressing, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for a flavorful, balanced meal.
These patty melts keep the rich flavors you expect from a Reuben while making smarter ingredient choices that reduce fat and add moisture and texture.
How These Patty Melts Are Lighter
- Lean turkey replaces ground beef. Use 93% lean turkey to keep burgers moist—any leaner can dry out the patties.
- Sauerkraut is mixed into the burger. It adds flavor, helps reduce the density of the meat, and retains moisture.
- Healthier Russian-style dressing. A combination of mayonnaise and nonfat Greek yogurt cuts calories and fat compared with all-mayo dressings. A touch of ketchup and chopped bread-and-butter pickles add sweetness without added sugar.
- Whole-grain rye bread adds fiber and nutrients compared with white bread.
- Olive oil is used for grilling instead of butter for a lighter cooking fat.
Recipe Tips
This recipe yields four patty melts. If you prefer to prepare ahead, form and cook the turkey patties, then refrigerate any unused patties for up to four days. Ground chicken can be substituted for turkey if desired.
These sandwiches deliver the familiar Reuben and patty melt flavors with fewer calories and less fat, so you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without the guilt.
Suggested Sides
- Bacon Cauliflower Salad
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Healthy Apple Coleslaw
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
Turkey Burger Reuben Patty Melts
Lean turkey burgers are paired with a lighter Russian-style dressing, sauerkraut and Swiss on whole-grain rye for a Reuben-inspired patty melt.
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
American
burger, sandwich
Ingredients
Russian Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced bread-and-butter pickles
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sandwich
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sauerkraut, divided
- 8 thin Swiss cheese slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 8 slices whole-grain rye bread
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to use.
- In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, 1/4 cup sauerkraut, salt and pepper; mix gently until combined.
- Form the mixture into four oval patties about the size of the bread slices.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties about 3 minutes per side, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of dressing on one side of each bread slice.
- Place a turkey patty on four slices of bread, top each with sauerkraut and two slices of Swiss cheese.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices and press gently to flatten slightly.
- Heat a few teaspoons of olive oil in the same skillet over medium. Add sandwiches and brush the tops with oil.
- When the bottoms are golden, flip carefully and cook until the cheese melts and the second side is golden. Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Avoid using 99% lean turkey; it’s too dry. Stick with 93% lean for best texture and juiciness.
Recipe adapted from Dude Diet Dinnertime.
Nutritional info is an estimate and can vary by product brands, measurements and cooking methods.
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