Mouthwatering Greek Burgers Recipe

Homemade Greek Burgers Recipe: Juicy Mediterranean Magic

Sizzling on the grill, these mouthwatering Greek burgers pack a punch of Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sunny coastlines of Greece.

Tangy feta cheese and zesty herbs mingle with juicy ground meat, creating an irresistible blend of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a culinary adventure that breaks free from ordinary burger expectations.

The combination of fresh ingredients and bold spices turns an everyday meal into a celebration of Greek cuisine.

Oregano, garlic, and a hint of mint dance across your palate, awakening your senses with every delectable morsel.

Serve these burgers at your next backyard gathering, and watch as everyone falls in love with this delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Prepare to savor a burger experience that will become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Cooking Instructions for Greek-Style Burgers

  • Burger Prep

Mix ground meat with Mediterranean seasonings and herbs. Shape into patties and chill in refrigerator to help them hold together perfectly.

  • Bread Warming

Warm buns on skillet or grill, brushing with light olive oil until edges turn golden and crispy.

  • Meat Cooking

Sear patties on hot surface, turning occasionally to develop rich caramelized edges. Cook until center reaches proper temperature and meat has deep brown coloring.

  • Final Assembly

Layer each burger with crisp spinach leaves, juicy tomato rounds, sharp shallot rings, and cool creamy tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately while everything remains warm and fresh.

Add-Ins for Juicy Greek Burger Patties

  • Swap ground beef with ground lamb for an authentic Greek twist that intensifies the Mediterranean taste profile.
  • Experiment with fresh oregano, mint, or dill instead of standard herbs to create unique flavor combinations that elevate the burger's complexity.
  • Replace meat with grilled portobello mushrooms or a chickpea-based patty, maintaining the Greek seasoning blend for a plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Transform tzatziki by mixing in roasted red pepper puree or adding extra garlic and lemon zest to create a personalized sauce that complements the burger's robust flavors.
  • Crumble authentic feta cheese directly into the meat mixture or melt a thick slice on top of the burger during the final cooking minutes for an extra creamy Mediterranean experience.

Serving Greek Burgers with Tzatziki or Pita

  • Mezze Plate Companion: Create a vibrant Greek-inspired side platter with kalamata olives, crumbled feta, cucumber slices, and warm pita wedges to complement the burger's Mediterranean flavors.
  • Refreshing Drink Pairing: Serve with crisp white wine like assyrtiko or a chilled Greek-style lager that beautifully balances the burger's rich, herby profile and cuts through its savory elements.
  • Summer Garden Party Styling: Arrange burgers on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh oregano sprigs, lemon wedges, and a small bowl of extra tzatziki for guests to customize their meal with bright, zesty accents.
  • Family-Style Sharing Approach: Present burgers on a large platter with additional toppings like pickled red onions, roasted red peppers, and extra spinach leaves, allowing everyone to build their perfect Greek-inspired burger experience.

Storing Greek Burgers for Later Use

  • Fridge-Ready Prep: Store uncooked burger patties in an airtight container with parchment paper between each patty for up to 24 hours. Keep refrigerated to maintain texture and food safety.
  • Quick Leftover Revival: Reheat cooked burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Restore moisture and original flavor quickly.
  • Smart Sauce Storage: Transfer extra tzatziki sauce to a sealed glass container, which keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir before serving to restore creamy consistency.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual raw burger patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Greek Burgers Ingredient Breakdown

For Burger Patty Base:
  • Ground Beef: Lean protein foundation that creates juicy, tender burger texture with rich flavor profile.
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps hold burger ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps seasonings penetrate meat more effectively.
For Flavor Boosters:
  • Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, fresh earthy taste, and nutritional complexity to burger mixture.
  • Feta Cheese: Introduces tangy, salty Mediterranean character and creamy texture to burger.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Delivers concentrated sweet-savory depth with concentrated tomato essence.
For Serving and Garnish:
  • Sandwich Buns: Soft, sturdy vessel for holding burger and providing additional texture.
  • Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves: Crisp topping that adds light, peppery freshness.
  • Sliced Tomato: Juicy, bright element that contributes moisture and classic burger complement.
  • Sliced Shallot: Mild, sophisticated onion flavor with subtle sweetness.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based condiment that brings cooling, herbaceous notes to burger.

Equipment That Helps Build Flavorful Greek Burgers

  • Mixing bowl: Large enough to combine ground meat with seasonings and herbs.
  • Skillet or grill: Essential for cooking burger patties with even heat.
  • Spatula: Helps flip burgers without breaking them and check internal temperature.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures patties reach safe 160°F cooking temperature.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for slicing tomatoes and shallots.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable chopping.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure herb and seasoning quantities.
Print
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Mouthwatering Greek Burgers Recipe

Mouthwatering Greek Burgers Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Greek Burgers blend seasoned ground lamb with aromatic herbs and spices. Crumbled feta, grilled pita, and zesty tzatziki sauce complete this delicious culinary journey when you crave bold Mediterranean flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 5 oz (142 grams) fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
  • 2 oz (57 grams) crumbled feta cheese
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ tsp table salt
  • Sandwich buns
  • Fresh baby spinach leaves
  • Sliced tomato
  • Sliced shallot
  • Tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  1. Herb Infusion: Thoroughly blend ground lamb or beef with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, mint, and garlic, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
  2. Patty Preparation: Form seasoned meat into 4 uniform patties with center indentations, then refrigerate for 45-60 minutes to enhance flavor and structural integrity.
  3. Heat Activation: Preheat cast-iron skillet or grill to 400°F-450°F, simultaneously preparing buns by lightly brushing with extra virgin olive oil and toasting until golden and crisp.
  4. Searing Process: Place chilled patties on hot surface, allowing 4-5 minutes of uninterrupted searing to develop a rich caramelized exterior, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  5. Assembly Artistry: Layer toasted buns with fresh baby spinach, position cooked burger patties, then garnish with thinly sliced ripe tomatoes, finely chopped shallots, and a generous tzatziki sauce dollop.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Present Greek-style burgers immediately, hot and aromatic, with complementary tzatziki sauce on the side for enhanced dipping experience.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose high-quality ground lamb or beef with 20% fat content for juicier, more flavorful burgers that won’t dry out during cooking.
  • Chill for Structure: Refrigerating patties before cooking helps them hold together, preventing crumbling and ensuring a perfect texture when grilling or pan-searing.
  • Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking the delicate Mediterranean-inspired patties.
  • Flavor Fusion Technique: Thoroughly mix herbs and seasonings into the meat to distribute flavors evenly, creating a consistent taste in every delicious bite.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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