Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (2024)

Easy Greek Lamb Burger recipe made with ground lamb, fresh herbs, spices, onion, and garlic for tons of FLAVOR! Topped with homemade tzatziki sauce and your favorite burger toppings for a delicious twist on a classic burger recipe. If you love Greek food and burgers, these greek burgers are a must this summer!

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (1)

Happy July and happy burger month on Eat the Gains! Can a get a what, what?!

We are starting off strong with this greek lamb burger recipe! Confession – I’ve been making this recipe for a long long time (it’s a spin-off my greek lamb meatballs), and am finally posting it so it has a home!

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (2)

There is nothing like a good burger to satisfy a craving. Meaty, juicy, greasy, and full of flavor, they are one of my favorite foods if done right. Greek food is also one of my favorite cuisines and when you combine the two together, it brings me to a happy place.

These Mediterranean burgers do just that – loaded with fresh herbs, spices, onion, and garlic – and grilled to juicy perfection! Then topped with homemade tzatziki, tomato, onion, and cucumber to balance it all out and bring the recipe together.

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (3)

If you have no idea what I am talking about when I am mentioning burger month, this month is dedicated to all things burgers on ETG. All through July, we will be posting burger themed recipes – from burgers, to fries, to sauces. Burgers are one of my favorite foods and summer is definitely the time for them!⁠

We are also doing a fun giveaway that you can read about here.

Are lamb burgers healthy?

Not only is lamb delicious, but it is packed with protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium. Since lamb is usually grass-fed, it has a lot of heart healthy omega 3s fatty acids. These fats are healthy fats and omega-3 areanti-inflammatory. Lamb also contains CLA which can help aid fat loss and improve lean muscle mass.

Ground lamb is easy to use (treat it like ground beef!) and it adds such great flavor to these burgers – you will love it!

Greek lamb burger recipe

Juicy grilled lamb burgers are full of fresh herbs and spices, onion and garlic, and tons of flavor. Serve them up with your favorite toppings (listing some suggestions below) and fries for the perfect summer burger recipe.

Here is what you need:

  • ground lamb
  • red onion
  • garlic
  • fresh parsley
  • fresh mint
  • dried oregano
  • salt and pepper
  • buns or lettuce wraps for servings
  • toppings of your choice!

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (4)

First, start off my lighting your grill and let it come up to temperature. I used a charcoal grill for this as I love the flavor, but any kind of grill will work.

While the grill heats up, make the burgers. Add the lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well to combine, but try not to overmix too much.

If you want, you can let this mixture marinate for an hour or more. Itgives the burgers so much flavor but is not necessary (I did not do it).

Then form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties. Use your hands to form into a burger shape, with about an inch of thickness, and making a small indent in the middle. This will help them cook evenly and not puff up.

Grill over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how you like your burger cooked. While the burgers grill, prepare your toppings and sides. Once they are done, pile them up with your favorite toppings and sides and enjoy!

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (5)

Substitutions for greek burgers

Here are few substitutions for lamb burgers. I highly suggest using fresh herbs as it gives these burgers so much flavor, but you can use dried if needed.

  • meat – lamb adds such great flavor to these burgers, but if you don’t have lamb or want something not as fatty, you can use whatever kind of ground meat you like. Chicken, beef, or turkey will all work well, but the flavor profile will change some. Ground chicken and ground turkey can be kind of wet, so you might need to add a binder if using those.
  • fresh parsley – you can substitute 2 1/2-3 tablespoons dried parsley for fresh
  • mint – you cansubstitute1 teaspoon dried mint for fresh

Can you make lamb burgers on the stove?

Yes, lamb burgers can be made on the stove if you don’t have a grill. Heat a well-seasoned cast iron over medium heat, adding oil if needed. Cook burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.

Lamb burger toppings

What is a good burger without any toppings?! While I love a classic burger, you definitely need a few toppings to bring it all together. And the toppings on this greek burgers help bring it all together.

Here a few suggestions:

  • tzatziki – when you think of greek food, you think of tzatziki! Highly recommend whipping up a batch of homemade tzatziki in advance or while the burgers grill. All you need is yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. You can also use your favorite store bought as well.
  • feta – adds a nice tanginess to the recipe
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • cucumber
  • red onion – either fresh or pickled
  • peppers – green bell peppers are used often in greek food

For serving, you can either use any kind of hamburger bun, lettuce wrap, or even pita. Since lamb is a rich cut of meat, I love using lettuce wraps to balance it out, but anything will work. You can even serve them on top of a greek salad!

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (6)

More burger recipes

Buffalo Chicken Burgers w/ Healthy Blue Cheese Dressing

Burger Salad

Jalapeño Ranch Turkey Burgers

Harissa Salmon Burgers w/ Harissa Aioli

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (7)

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (8)

5 from 2 votes

Greek Lamb Burger

Author: Kelly Nardo

Easy greek lamb burger recipe made with ground lamb, fresh herbs, spices, onion, and garlic for tons of FLAVOR! Topped with homemade tzatziki sauce and your favorite burger toppings for a delicious twist on a classic burger recipe. If you love Greek food and burgers, these greek burgers are a must this summer!

Print RecipePin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Calories: 300kcal

Protein: 19.5g

Carbs: 2.4g

Fat: 23.1g

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

ingredients

Greek Lamb Burgers

  • 1 pound ground lamb (I used 80/20)
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion (60 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1 packed tablespoon mint leaves, chopped (8-10 large leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste

For serving

  • 1/2 cup homemade tzatziki sauce
  • toppings of choice: lettuce, tomato, red onion, feta...
  • burger buns of choice

instructions

  • Heat grill to medium-high heat.

  • While the grill heats up, make the burgers. Add the lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well to combine, but try not to overmix too much.*

  • Then form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties. Use your hands to form into a burger shape, with about an inch of thickness, and making a small thumb-sized indent in the middle. This will help them cook evenly and not puff up.

  • Grill over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how you like your burger cooked. While the burgers grill, prepare your toppings and sides.

  • Top burgers with tzatziki sauce serve in lettuce wraps or buns with additional toppings. Enjoy!

notes

*if you want, you can let this mixture marinate for an hour or more. Itgives the burgers so much flavor but is not necessary (I did not do it).

Leave off tzatziki sauce to keep this burger dairy free and paleo and Whole30 approved.

nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Greek Lamb Burger

Amount Per Serving (1 burger (no toppings))

Calories 300Calories from Fat 208

% Daily Value*

Fat 23.1g36%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Potassium 73.5mg2%

Carbohydrates 2.4g1%

Fiber 0.6g3%

Sugar 0.9g1%

Protein 19.5g39%

Vitamin A 774IU15%

Vitamin C 12.1mg15%

Calcium 15.6mg2%

Iron 2.3mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe or anything from Eat the Gains, leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Also, make sure to post it and tag me so I can see all of your creations!! @eatthegains and #eatthegains on Instagram!

This post may contain affiliate linksand I may make a little bit of money if you click on and purchase the products that are linked. It doesn’t cost you any extra money. The compensationhelps with expenses to keep ETG up and running. I truly appreciate your support!

Greek Lamb Burger Recipe w/ Tzatziki - Eat the Gains (2024)

FAQs

Is a lamb burger healthy? ›

It is also lower in fat than beef and has fewer calories. If you are considering fatty acids, like CLA and omega-3's, lamb has more than beef. If you look at vitamins, like B12 and zinc, beef wins out. The takeaway is both are excellent and both make a great base to this burger.

What is a Greek burger made of? ›

This burger is a delicious combination of a hearty 80/20 meat patty, sheep's milk feta, and terrific vegetables like kalamata olives, cucumbers, and Marinated Red Onions. Pepperoncini mayo adds a spicy kick, while melt-in-your-mouth Kasseri Greek cheese (or the cheese of your choice) brings a creamy touch.

How to tell if lamb burgers are cooked? ›

Meat products that are minced or skewered along with poultry and pork products must always be cooked through to the centre. These meats include turkey, chicken, burgers, sausages and kebabs. Use a meat thermometer to check that such meat is cooked to 75ºC.

How to grind lamb for burgers? ›

Anyway, here's how it works: cut the meat into 1-inch cubes and freeze them for 30 minutes. Freezing the meat helps it to "grind" more evenly and prevents the processor from overheating the lamb in the process. Put the meat in the processor in batches and pulse until it gets to the desired consistency.

Is lamb more unhealthy than beef? ›

If we look at fatty acids, like CLA and omega-3's, lamb comes out victorious and can be seen as marginally healthier. If we look at vitamins, like B12 and zinc, beef comes out victorious. The bottom line is both are excellent and both should be eaten with abundance!

Are lamb burgers better than beef? ›

Nutrition: Lamb is a nutrient-dense meat that is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. It is also lower in fat than beef and has fewer calories. Versatility: Lamb is a versatile meat that works well in a variety of dishes, from meatballs and burgers to shepherd's pie and curry.

Is tzatziki sauce good on a burger? ›

So full of fabulous flavor hot off the grill, Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are great with or without grilled pita bread. Try the veggies and olives too!

What is the most common meat in Greece? ›

Read on and discover a world of traditional recipes sure to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Lamb. Lamb is one of the most popular types of meat in Greece and is used in various recipes. ...
  • Seafood. The sea surrounds Greece, so seafood is essential to its cuisine. ...
  • Beef. Beef also plays a vital role in Greek cuisine. ...
  • Pork. ...
  • Chicken.

What type of meat was common in the Greek diet? ›

Popular choices include lamb, goat, chicken, pork, and veal in northern Greece.

Why do my lamb burgers fall apart? ›

The worst thing you can do to freshly ground meat is massage it or press on it too firmly. That said, if you plan on cooking your burgers on a grill instead of a skillet (and for lamb, I generally prefer the grill), you'll have to at least pack it hard enough that it doesn't fall apart when you lay it down or flip it.

Can you eat a rare lamb burger? ›

A rare, or pink, lamb chop that has been seared well on the outside should be fine because any bacteria on the outer surface will have been killed by the heat. But minced or diced lamb or mutton should never be served pink. It needs to be thoroughly cooked and browned. The same goes for burgers.

Is it OK for lamb burger to be pink? ›

From burgers to meatballs to meatloaf, always use a food thermometer to be sure that ground meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature: Ground beef, pork, lamb: 160°F. Ground turkey or chicken: 165°F.

What is the best cut of lamb to grind? ›

Shoulder meat is the preferred cut for ground lamb because it is lean, but you can also use leg meat. Be careful not to overwork ground lamb when you are forming patties or sausages. For the best flavor, ask a butcher to grind fresh lamb meat for you rather than buying pre-ground packaged lamb.

Is ground lamb gamey? ›

When lamb is ground and crisp, it tastes less gamey than a chop, but you still get its earthiness. It plays well with strong spices, like cumin, fennel, and chili flakes. The best part, though, is how a little bit goes a long way because it's so rich.

Do lamb burgers have to be well done? ›

The internal temperature should be about 145 degrees F. Using a fork, insert the prongs into the middle of the burger and leave it inserted for 5 seconds.

What is the healthiest meat for burgers? ›

If you choose beef, choose 90 percent lean or higher. Bison and venison are also leaner red meat choices. Poultry such as ground turkey or chicken can be higher in saturated fat and calories if dark meat and skin are used in the mix. If you choose to use ground chicken or turkey, look for breast only.

Is lamb one of the healthiest meat? ›

Lamb is a type of red meat that comes from young sheep. Not only is it a rich source of high-quality protein, but it is also an outstanding source of many vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Because of this, regular consumption of lamb may promote muscle growth, maintenance, and performance.

Is lamb better for you than chicken? ›

Q: Which meat is generally considered healthier, chicken or lamb? A: Chicken is often considered a healthier option than lamb, as it is lower in saturated fats and calories. Therefore, it is a popular choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

What is lamb burger made of? ›

Ingredients
800gminced lamb shoulder (roughly 20% fat)
1/2 tspdried chilli flakes
4sun-dried tomatoes, very finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
for the garlic and coriander mayonnaise:
15 more rows

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