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Greek-Style Lamb Burgers

A delicious fusion of Mediterranean flavors with juicy lamb patties, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce served in warm pita bread.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Burger Mixture
  • 1 slice white bread, crust removed and cut into ¼-in (6-cm) pieces
  • 2 tablespoons milk to create a moist and tender burger
  • ¼ cup finely chopped shallots adds a sweet onion flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced brings in that aromatic punch
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint adds a refreshing touch
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano a classic herb for Mediterranean dishes
  • ¾ teaspoon salt for balance and flavor
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of warmth
  • 1½ lbs ground lamb not lean; can substitute with 80/20 beef for a different twist
Serving Ingredients
  • 6 rounds pita bread or use hamburger buns for a classic feel
  • 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded for a crispy texture
  • 2 tomatoes thinly sliced for a juicy layer
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced for a zesty crunch
  • 6 oz crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element
  • Tzatziki sauce a must-have for a cool, tangy finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating your grill to high heat, ensuring those patties will have a nice sear.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the bread pieces with milk. Use a fork to mash them together until a smooth paste is formed.
  3. Add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, chopped mint, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the paste. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Incorporate the ground lamb into the mixture. Use your hands to gently mix everything until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  5. Shape the meat mixture into 6 oval-shaped patties, each about ½-inch (13-cm) thick.
Cooking
  1. Lightly oil the grilling grates to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until nicely browned.
  2. Carefully flip the burgers and grill for a few minutes longer until they reach your desired doneness.
  3. Place the grilled burgers on a tray, cover with foil, and let them rest while you warm the pita rounds on the grill.
Assembly
  1. In warm pita, stack layers of shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions. Top with the grilled lamb patties, sprinkle with feta cheese, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
  2. Present the assembled burgers with extra toppings and tzatziki sauce on the side for delightful customization.

Notes

Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat with the other ingredients, mix just enough to incorporate everything to ensure the patties remain tender. Feel free to swap out mint for parsley or dill if you want a different flavor profile. If lamb isn’t available or preferred, a combination of ground beef and lamb can also work beautifully.