Greek Burgers

From the moment I first tasted Greek Burgers, I was hooked. Standing in my kitchen, the sizzling sound of the patties on the grill brings back fond memories of summer evenings with friends and family. There’s something about the combination of flavors—rich, savory ground lamb, tangy Greek yogurt, and fresh veggies—that just makes my mouth water. I remember sitting outside, the sun setting, while we enjoyed these delightful burgers stuffed into warm pita pockets. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that transports you straight to a lively tavern in Greece. It’s an experience that I love sharing with those who visit. Whether it’s a barbecue gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, these Greek Burgers never fail to impress!

Main Ingredients for Greek Burgers

The ingredients for Greek Burgers are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the richness of the ground lamb to the creaminess of the yogurt sauce. The fresh vegetables provide a refreshing crunch, while the spices add depth and character. Together, they create a burger experience that is truly unforgettable.

• 2 pounds ground lamb – The heart of the burger, offering rich flavor and a juicy texture.
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt – This adds creaminess and tang to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano – A classic herb that infuses the burgers with an aromatic flavor.
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion – For a subtle sweetness and added crunch.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – A must for depth of flavor.
• Zest of one lemon – Brightens the entire dish with a refreshing citrus note.
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a hint of heat to the burgers.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 7 ounces feta, crumbled into large pieces – Brings a salty and creamy texture.
• Olive oil for brushing – Helps to achieve a golden crust on the burgers.
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers – For a refreshing crunch.
• 2 tomatoes, sliced – Adds juiciness and brightness.
• Mint leaves for garnish – A fresh touch that complements the flavors.
• 6 small pita pockets or 3 large halved – The perfect vessel for your burger!
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – For a creamy sauce to drizzle on top.
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled – For the yogurt sauce, adding a refreshing flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To season the yogurt sauce.
• 1 clove garlic, smashed – Adds depth to the yogurt sauce.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For richness in the sauce.
• Zest of one lemon + 1 tsp lemon juice – Brightens up the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped mint – Complements the yogurt sauce beautifully.

How to Assemble Greek Burgers

Assembling Greek Burgers is as exciting as it is simple. You’ll love the process, from mixing the ingredients to grilling the patties. Follow these detailed steps to create mouthwatering burgers that will wow your family and friends.

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Pour the excess moisture off the top of the plain Greek yogurt and place it in a bowl. This is crucial to ensure your burger mix doesn’t get too watery. Next, grate the cucumber and place the strips in a colander. Toss them with salt and set aside for 20 minutes to drain. This step helps to remove excess moisture, making your burgers firmer.
2. After 20 minutes, return to the grated cucumber. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Now, mix all ingredients in a bowl, including the grated cucumber, ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Combine everything well, adding salt and pepper to taste.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat. While it’s heating, use your hands to mix the first eight ingredients in a bowl. The warmth of your hands will help blend them beautifully. Be gentle when adding the feta cheese—you want it to stay in larger chunks for bursts of flavor.
4. Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions, shaping each into 1-inch thick ovals or patties. This thickness is perfect for grilling, allowing the insides to cook perfectly while getting a nice crust on the outside. Brush each patty with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper. This step ensures a delicious sear.
5. Now it’s time to grill! Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through. Look for a nice golden-brown color on each side; this indicates they’re ready to be flipped.
6. Once grilled, place the patties inside pita pockets. Stuff them generously with fresh sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint leaves for added flavor and crunch. Don’t forget to drizzle some additional yogurt sauce on top for that extra creaminess!
7. Serve your Greek Burgers immediately, while they’re warm and juicy. These burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, so gather your loved ones and dig in!

Making Adjustments

Feel free to get creative with your Greek Burgers. Here are some tips to help you make adjustments to suit your taste:

• Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked patties for up to three months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the burger mix for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of pita for a gluten-free version of this dish.

How to Enjoy Greek Burgers

When it comes to serving Greek Burgers, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy them to the fullest:

• Summer Barbecues: These burgers are perfect for outdoor gatherings. Set up a DIY station where guests can build their own burgers with toppings.
• Weeknight Dinners: They make for a quick and satisfying meal. Pair with a simple green salad for a nutritious dinner.
• Picnics: Pack them in a cooler for a tasty picnic treat. They’re easy to transport and delicious cold!
• Game Day: Serve Greek Burgers as a fun, flavorful option during game day parties. They’re sure to be a hit!
• Healthy Meal Prep: Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for lunch or dinner.
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, pair with fresh corn on the cob, while in fall, roasted potatoes work wonderfully.

FAQ

Conclusion

The charm of Greek Burgers lies in their delicious combination of flavors and textures. They bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your grill, making them a perfect choice for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. I encourage you to try making them for your next meal; you won’t be disappointed!

Greek Burgers

Enjoy the ultimate summer meal with our Greek Burgers. Juicy lamb patties infused with fresh herbs and spices, stuffed in pita pockets with creamy yogurt sauce and crunchy vegetables. It's a deliciously easy weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground lamb
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 whole zest of one lemon
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 7 ounces feta crumbled into large pieces
• Olive oil for brushing
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 2 tomatoes sliced
• Mint leaves for garnish
• 6 small pita pockets or 3 large halved
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic smashed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 whole zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped mint

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Peeler

Method

 

1. Pour the excess moisture off the top of the yogurt and place it in a bowl. Grate the cucumber, then place the strips in a colander and toss with salt. Set aside for 20 minutes to drain, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat. Use your hands to mix the first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Gently fold in the feta cheese.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions, then shape it into 1-inch thick ovals. Brush patties with olive oil and salt and pepper.
4. Grill the patties for 10 minutes, carefully flipping once. Place the patties inside pitas and stuff with cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint leaves. Top with yogurt sauce.

Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked patties for up to three months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the burger mix for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of pita for a gluten-free version of this dish.

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.