Greek Burgers Recipe

If you’re craving a burger experience that transports you straight to the Mediterranean without ever leaving your kitchen, look no further than Greek Burgers! Juicy, flavor-packed beef patties filled with spinach, tangy feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tucked into a pillowy bun with creamy tzatziki—this is seriously burger heaven with a Greek twist. Every bite is a celebration of vibrant flavors and contrasting textures, making these burgers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just switching up your weeknight dinner routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make Greek Burgers, but each one is chosen for a reason! From juicy ground beef for richness to briny feta for that unmistakable pop of flavor, this short list does all the heavy-lifting in terms of taste and visual appeal.

• Ground Beef: A classic burger base, hearty ground beef forms the foundation for our Greek Burgers and keeps the patties extra juicy.
• Fresh Baby Spinach (chopped): Spinach adds freshness, color, and a subtle earthy note that pairs perfectly with feta.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Feta brings irresistible salty tang and creamy texture throughout each bite.
• Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These gems offer concentrated bursts of sweetness and a chewy, almost meaty texture.
• Egg: The egg binds our mix together, making sure all those tasty extras stay nestled in the patty, not the pan.
• Table Salt: Essential for seasoning every ingredient, helping all the flavors shine.
• Sandwich Buns: Choose your favorite buns to cradle your Greek Burgers—brioche, whole wheat, or classic sandwich rolls work beautifully.
• Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves: Use as a crisp, fresh base layer for your assembled burger.
• Sliced Tomato: Adds juiciness and a pop of vibrant color, balancing out salty and savory notes.
• Sliced Shallot: For a touch of mild, sweet bite and lovely crunch.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This classic Greek yogurt sauce is creamy, tangy, herby, and absolutely essential to drizzle over your finished burgers.

How to Make Greek Burgers

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

Start by grabbing a large bowl, and combine your ground beef, chopped baby spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, egg, and salt. I love using my clean hands to gently mix everything together—just enough to distribute the goodies without overworking. Shape that beautiful mixture into four even patties, then pop them in the fridge for at least an hour; this helps them hold their shape, makes them easier to handle, and lets all those wonderful flavors mingle.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

While the patties chill, cheer up your buns! Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat, drizzle a little oil on the cut sides of your sandwich buns, and lay them face-down in the pan. Watch closely: in just a couple of minutes, they’ll be golden brown, caramelized, and ready to soak up all that juicy burger goodness to come. Set aside on a plate while you cook the patties.

Step 3: Cook the Burger Patties

Now for the main event: cooking those fabulous Greek Burgers. Turn your pan up to medium-high (or stick to medium if you’d rather have less smoke and don’t mind a slightly longer cook). Add a drizzle of oil and lay your patties in—don’t crowd the pan, give them space! Sear them on both sides until a gorgeous char develops and the centers reach 160°F (for safe, juicy burgers). Flip occasionally and add a bit more oil if things look dry. Breathe in that Mediterranean aroma!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Bring it all together! Layer each toasted bun with a handful of fresh spinach leaves, then add your hot-off-the-pan burger patty. Pile on some sliced tomatoes, a few shallot rings for crunch, and a generous swipe of creamy tzatziki. Pop on the top bun and serve immediately. You’ll be amazed how all these bold flavors complement each other in every single bite.

How to Serve Greek Burgers

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Greek Burgers, it’s all about balancing flavors and adding visual flair. A handful of extra chopped herbs like dill or oregano can bring a fresh pop, while a sprinkle of crumbled feta or even a few thin strips of sun-dried tomato give the burger that irresistible finishing touch. For a splash of color, add a couple of extra slices of bright red tomato or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Side Dishes

No Greek Burger feast is complete without a few great sides. You can’t go wrong with crispy oven fries or a simple Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, olives, and more feta. For something lighter, try serving your burgers with roasted lemon potatoes or a big bowl of chilled watermelon and mint. Each side pairs deliciously with the herby, savory flavors of the Greek Burgers.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your Greek Burgers by thinking outside the bun! Serve mini burger sliders at parties, or wrap your patties in warm pita bread for a gyro-inspired meal. For a low-carb option, skip the bread entirely and serve the patties over a vibrant salad with lots of fresh veggies and an extra dollop of tzatziki on top. However you serve them, these burgers always steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Place your cooked Greek Burgers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the toppings and buns separate to prevent things from getting soggy. When you’re ready for round two, you’ll want those vibrant flavors just as fresh as the first time!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Greek Burgers—just freeze the cooked or uncooked patties (without toppings or buns) in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag with parchment between each patty. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months, making future meals a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm the patties gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to dry out the burgers and make them rubbery. Once hot, dress them up with fresh toppings and your favorite bun.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Greek Burgers are super versatile—just swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. You might want to add a drizzle of olive oil to keep the patties extra juicy since leaner meats can be a little drier.

What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?

Refrigerating the formed patties is key! The egg also acts as a binder, but giving the burgers time to chill before cooking helps them stay firm and hold their shape beautifully when they hit the hot pan or grill.

How do I make Greek Burgers gluten-free?

Simply swap the sandwich buns for your favorite gluten-free alternative or serve the patties lettuce-wrap style. Double-check your tzatziki and sun-dried tomatoes to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I grill these outdoors?

Absolutely, grilling is a fantastic way to cook Greek Burgers! Just preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook the patties as you would indoors. The hint of smoky char amps up those Mediterranean flavors even more.

Is there a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian spin, try a mixture of crumbled chickpeas or white beans, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and egg (or flax egg). The result is a plant-powered patty with all the zesty flavor of classic Greek Burgers.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the joy of biting into a well-made Greek Burger—juicy, savory, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Whether for a festive gathering or a simple family dinner, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and taste a bit of the Mediterranean with every bite. Your taste buds will thank you!

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