Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
When you want a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and a little more sophisticated than the classic beef-and-cheese combo, these Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are the answer. Packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices, topped with fresh vegetables, and finished with a creamy homemade tzatziki, these burgers bring a taste of Greece right to your backyard grill. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or craving a weeknight dinner with flair, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Burgers
- 1 ½ lbs ground lamb
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small red onion, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan-searing)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4–6 burger buns or pita bread
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Pickled peppers (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Lamb Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, garlic, onion, parsley, mint, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form into 4–6 patties, pressing slightly thinner in the center to prevent puffing.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil.
- Cook lamb patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Toast buns or pita lightly for texture.
- Add lettuce to the bottom bun, followed by the lamb patty.
- Top with tomato slices, red onion, pickled peppers, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
- Place the top bun and serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Rest the meat: Letting the patties rest keeps them juicy.
- Use fresh herbs: Mint and parsley elevate the lamb’s natural flavor.
- Cheese lovers: Add crumbled feta directly into the lamb mixture for extra richness.
- Low-carb option: Swap the bun for lettuce wraps or serve in pita bread with more veggies.
- Grill marks: For a smoky flavor and appealing look, cook on a grill pan or outdoor grill.
Variations
- Feta-Stuffed Lamb Burgers: Stuff patties with cubes of feta before cooking.
- Spicy Lamb Burgers: Add chili flakes or harissa paste to the lamb mixture.
- Mediterranean Veggie Burger: Replace lamb with chickpea patties for a vegetarian twist.
- Yogurt-Free Tzatziki: Use cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
- Breakfast Style: Top burgers with a fried egg for a hearty brunch option.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap raw patties in parchment and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per burger, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 455 |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQs
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
What if I don’t eat lamb?
Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be substituted, though flavor will differ.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing the lamb and press gently when forming patties.
Can I cook them in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is tzatziki sauce necessary?
It’s traditional and adds freshness, but you can substitute with hummus or tahini sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with Greek salad and roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Serve with fries or sweet potato wedges.
- Add olives and feta as toppings for a stronger Mediterranean vibe.
- Offer extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or lemonade for refreshment.
Final Thoughts
These Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce combine the best of Mediterranean flavors in one delicious sandwich. Juicy, herby lamb patties, fresh toppings, and cool, creamy tzatziki come together for a burger experience that’s both comforting and exotic. Whether grilled outdoors or pan-seared inside, these burgers are perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or whenever you crave a taste of Greece at home.
