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Greek Feta Burgers: The Ultimate Recipe for Summer Grilling

Juicy Greek Feta Burgers with Mediterranean flavors! Ground beef patties with feta, herbs, and spices, topped with homemade tzatziki sauce and Greek-inspired toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame seed buns work well)
  • Lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced red onion
  • Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • Roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped oregano, chopped mint, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Be careful not to overmix.
  2. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  3. Chill the Patties: Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour).
  4. Prepare the Cucumber for Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.
  5. Combine the Tzatziki Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Chill the Tzatziki Sauce: Cover the tzatziki sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Prepare the Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, use a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop. If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil with a high smoke point.
  8. Cook the Burgers: Remove the burger patties from the refrigerator. Place them on the preheated grill or in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer if you prefer your burgers more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). For well-done, it should reach 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest the Burgers: Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill or skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
  10. Toast the Buns (optional): While the burgers are resting, you can lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
  11. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the top and bottom buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked Greek feta burger.
  12. Add Toppings: Top the burger with sliced tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers (if using).
  13. Serve Immediately: Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the burger mixture, or the burgers will be tough.
  • Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki.
  • Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape while cooking.
  • Resting the burgers after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.