Perfect Greek Burgers Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Greek burgers elevate the classic patty into a Mediterranean culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with unexpected zest.

Fragrant herbs and robust spices weave through the meat, creating a sensational flavor profile that breaks traditional burger boundaries.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty dimension that elevates the entire eating experience.

These robust patties capture the essence of Greek cuisine with their bold and vibrant character.

Complex yet approachable, they blend familiar comfort food with exotic ingredients that spark curiosity.

Balanced textures and harmonious seasonings make each bite a delightful journey through Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering moment of this culinary creation.

Greek Burgers: A Savory Twist on a Classic

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Pack these Greek-inspired burgers with a delightful blend of herbs and seasonings that transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: Whip up these protein-packed burgers in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Deliver a balanced meal with a hefty 35g of protein, essential nutrients, and a delicious combination of fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce that keeps you feeling full and energized.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Easily prepare these burgers on a skillet or grill, making them adaptable to different cooking preferences and kitchen setups.

Must-Have Ingredients for Greek Burgers

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful base for the burger patties, choose meat with around 80% lean for juicy results.
• Ground Lamb: Rich and aromatic meat that adds traditional Greek flavor, optional but recommended for authentic taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the meats natural flavor and creating a well-seasoned burger.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Mint: Classic Greek herbs that provide a distinctive Mediterranean profile and aromatic depth.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft and sturdy base for holding the burger, choose fresh buns for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for toasting buns and preventing meat from sticking to the cooking surface.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds a light, green element and nutritional boost to the burger.
• Tomato Slices: Provides moisture and fresh flavor, select ripe and firm tomatoes.
• Shallots: Mild onion-like ingredient that offers a subtle, sweet crunch.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Traditional Greek yogurt-based sauce that adds creamy and tangy element to the burger.

How to Make Greek Burgers at Home

Step 1: Prepare Burger Mixture

Mix ground meat with selected seasonings and herbs in a large mixing bowl. Shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized burger patties. Refrigerate the patties for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape and enhance flavor.

• Herbs
• Seasonings
• Ground meat

Step 2: Toast Burger Buns

Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high temperature. Lightly drizzle buns with olive oil. Toast until they turn a beautiful golden brown color, creating a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Cook Burger Patties

Place burger patties on the hot skillet. Cook until they develop a delicious charred exterior. Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Add a small amount of oil if the pan becomes dry during cooking.

Step 4: Assemble Greek-Style Burgers

• Spinach leaves
• Tomato slices
• Chopped shallots
• Tzatziki sauce

Serve the burgers immediately while they’re warm and fresh.

Tips for Perfect Greek Burgers

• Chill for Firm Texture: Refrigerate patties for at least an hour to help them hold together better during cooking and prevent crumbling.
• Choose Quality Meat: Select ground lamb or a mix of lamb and beef for authentic Greek flavor and juicier burgers.
• Watch the Heat: Maintain medium-high temperature to achieve a perfect char without burning the outside or undercooking the inside.
• Prepare Tzatziki in Advance: Make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time to let flavors meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Rest Burgers Briefly: Allow cooked patties to rest for a few minutes after grilling to help juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.

Storing and Reheating Greek Burgers

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooked Greek burger patties and components separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Properly sealed, these delicious burgers will stay tasty for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap individual burger patties in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags to preserve flavor and texture. Frozen patties maintain quality for up to 2 months when protected from freezer burn.
• Reheating Tips: Warm refrigerated burgers in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Avoid microwaving to prevent tough, dry meat texture.

Pairing Greek Burgers with Mediterranean Sides

• Pair with Crisp Greek White Wine: Select a chilled Assyrtiko from Santorini to complement the burger's rich Mediterranean flavors. Its bright acidity cuts through the meat's richness while enhancing the herb-infused patty.
• Serve with Refreshing Greek Salad: Create a light cucumber and tomato salad with feta cheese and oregano. This side dish provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, juicy burger and adds extra Mediterranean authenticity.
• Match with Robust Red Wine Alternative: Choose a medium-bodied Agiorgitiko red wine from Greece. Its fruity undertones and smooth tannins will stand up beautifully to the burger's robust seasoning and grilled texture.
• Complement with Kalamata Olive Tapenade: Spread a zesty olive tapenade on the side of the plate. Its salty, briny notes will elevate the burger's herbal profile and provide an extra layer of traditional Greek taste.

Creative Variations of Greek Burgers

• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground beef with ground lamb for a richer, more authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Greek Patty: Replace meat with finely chopped grilled eggplant and chickpea mixture, maintaining traditional Greek seasoning and herbs.
• Spicy Hellenic Style: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and diced jalapeños into the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat and tangy complexity.
• Open-Faced Greek Burger Bowl: Deconstruct the burger by serving crumbled seasoned patty over a bed of mixed greens, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce, creating a lighter meal option.

Greek Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Greek burgers blend Mediterranean flavors with ground beef, oregano, and feta cheese for a zesty culinary adventure. Grilled to perfection and topped with tzatziki sauce, these burgers transport taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Greens:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Dried Ingredients:

• 2 ounces (57 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon table salt

Buns and Toppings:

• Sandwich buns
• Fresh baby spinach leaves
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced shallot
• Tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

1. Blend ground lamb or beef with Mediterranean-inspired herbs like oregano, mint, and garlic, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
2. Shape the meat mixture into 4 uniform patties, approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) in diameter and 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) thick, creating slight indentations in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
3. Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become firmer, which helps maintain the burger’s structure during cooking.
4. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F (204°C to 232°C), ensuring the cooking surface is hot before adding the patties.
5. Lightly brush the interior of the burger buns with extra virgin olive oil, then toast them on the grill or in a separate skillet until they achieve a light golden-brown color and develop a crisp texture.
6. Place the chilled patties onto the hot cooking surface, allowing them to sear without moving for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
7. Carefully flip the burgers using a metal spatula and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
8. Arrange the toasted buns on serving plates, layer fresh baby spinach leaves as the base, and gently place the cooked burger patties on top.
9. Garnish each burger with thinly sliced ripe tomatoes, finely chopped shallots, and a generous dollop of cool, tangy tzatziki sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
10. Serve the Greek-style burgers immediately while they are hot, accompanied by extra tzatziki sauce on the side for additional dipping.

Notes

• Gather all ingredients beforehand to streamline your burger-making process.
• Chilling patties helps them hold together better during cooking and intensifies flavor profiles.
• Use fresh ground meat with moderate fat content for juiciest burger texture.
• Choose crisp spinach leaves and ripe tomatoes to enhance sandwich freshness.
• Homemade tzatziki sauce elevates these Greek-inspired burgers with authentic Mediterranean flair.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg