Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe

Picture this: you're biting into a juicy, herb-packed burger that tastes like summer on the Greek islands. That's exactly what you get with this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe. I've been making these burgers for years, and every single time, people ask for seconds. The combination of ground lamb, crumbled feta, fresh mint, and that cooling tzatziki sauce creates something truly special.

What makes this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe stand out is how simple it is to pull together. You don't need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just good quality ground lamb, a handful of Mediterranean spices, and about 30 minutes of your time to make a delicious dinner. Whether you're firing up the grill or using a stovetop pan, these gourmet lamb burger patties come out perfect every time.

Why This Greek-Style Burger Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box

The Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for good reason. While beef burgers are great, lamb brings a richer, more complex flavor that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean ingredients like oregano, garlic, and tangy feta cheese. This isn't just another burger; it's a complete flavor experience that transports your taste buds straight to a seaside taverna in Greece.

What really sets this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe apart is its versatility. Serve it on a toasted brioche bun with all the fixings, tuck it into warm pita bread for a Greek-style sandwich, or go low-carb and wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves. The juicy lamb patties stay moist thanks to the fat content in ground lamb, while the fresh herbs and spices create layers of flavor in every bite. Plus, it's healthier than you might think; lamb is packed with protein, iron, and vitamin B12, making this a nutritious choice for dinner any night of the week.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Greek Grandmother's Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Ready to Try More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes?
• Related
• Pairing
• Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe

Ingredients

For the Lamb Patties:

• Ground lamb
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh mint, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Sea salt
• Egg

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt
• Cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For Assembly:

• Kalamata olives (optional)
• Burger buns or pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Fresh lettuce or arugula
• Extra feta cheese

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater into a clean kitchen towel
2. Squeeze the towel tightly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible from the cucumber
3. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil
4. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until well combined
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend
6. Pro tip: Making tzatziki a few hours ahead, or even the night before, allows the flavors to develop even more

Mix the Lamb Burger Patties

1. Place ground lamb in a large mixing bowl
2. Add crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped mint, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt
3. Crack the egg into the bowl
4. Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined; don't overwork the meat or the burgers will be tough
5. Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions depending on your preferred burger size
6. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick
7. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb; this prevents the burgers from puffing up during cooking
8. Place patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them hold together during cooking

Cook the Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe

1. Heat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
2. Brush the cooking surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking
3. Place patties on the hot surface, leaving space between each one
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them; this creates a nice crust
5. Flip the burgers carefully using a spatula
6. Cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 145°F)
7. For well-done burgers, cook an additional 2-3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F
8. Remove from heat and let the burgers rest for 3-4 minutes before serving
9. While burgers rest, toast your buns or pita bread on the grill or in a toaster

Assemble Your Gourmet Lamb Burgers

1. Serve immediately while the burgers are hot and juicy
2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun or inside the pita pocket
3. Place lettuce or arugula leaves on top of the sauce
4. Add the cooked lamb patty
5. Top with sliced tomatoes, red onion, extra crumbled feta, and olives if using
6. Add another dollop of tzatziki sauce on top
7. Place the top bun or fold the pita bread

Expert Cooking Tips

• Getting the perfect Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe requires attention to a few key details. Here's what I've learned over years of making these burgers:

Temperature Control is Everything

• Don't cook over heat that's too high; lamb can dry out quickly, and you want those juicy lamb burger patties to stay moist and flavorful
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; 145°F gives you a slightly pink center, while 160°F is fully cooked through
• Let ground lamb come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before forming patties; cold meat doesn't cook evenly

Ingredient Quality Matters

• Choose fresh ground lamb from a butcher if possible; the quality and freshness make a huge difference in flavor
• Don't skip the fresh herbs; dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh mint and parsley bring brightness that dried versions can't match
• Use real feta cheese, not the pre-crumbled kind with added stabilizers; authentic Greek or Bulgarian feta melts better and tastes superior

Handling the Meat Properly

• Mix gently; overworking ground lamb makes tough, dense burgers instead of tender, juicy ones
• Keep your hands slightly wet when forming patties; this prevents the meat from sticking to your fingers
• Make those thumb indents in the center; this simple trick keeps burgers flat and prevents the dreaded burger dome
• Chill formed patties for 10-15 minutes before cooking; this helps them hold together better on the grill or in the pan

Cooking Techniques

• Resist the urge to press down on burgers while cooking; this squeezes out all those delicious juices
• Flip only once; constant flipping prevents proper crust formation and releases moisture
• For extra flavor, brush patties with olive oil mixed with a little lemon juice halfway through cooking

Sauce and Assembly Tips

• Always squeeze excess water from grated cucumber for tzatziki; watery sauce will make your bun soggy
• Toast your buns or warm your pita; this creates a barrier that prevents soggy bread
• Build your burger in the right order: sauce first, then lettuce or greens, then the hot patty, then toppings; this keeps everything from sliding around

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• This Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences.

Dietary Modifications

For a Keto Lamb Burger:

• Skip the bun entirely and serve the lamb patty on a bed of mixed greens
• Add extra feta, olives, and sliced avocado for healthy fats
• The tzatziki sauce is already keto-friendly, so no changes needed there
• This Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe works perfectly for low-carb eating

For Gluten-Free Options:

• Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps
• Make sure your feta cheese doesn't contain any gluten fillers (most pure feta is naturally gluten-free)
• Serve in a lettuce wrap with cucumber, tomato, and plenty of tzatziki

For Dairy-Free Version:

• Omit the feta from the patties and add 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes instead for moisture
• Replace tzatziki with a dairy-free yogurt sauce using coconut yogurt
• Or make a tahini-lemon sauce as an alternative topping

Flavor Variations

Spicy Mediterranean Burger:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste to the lamb mixture
• Include diced jalapeños in the patties
• Top with spicy pickled peppers

Extra Herby Version:

• Double the fresh herbs; add fresh basil and cilantro
• Mix chopped fresh rosemary into the patties
• This variation brings even more Mediterranean garden flavors

Middle Eastern Twist:

• Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of allspice to the lamb mixture
• Top with hummus instead of tzatziki
• Serve in warm pita with pickled turnips and tahini sauce

Breakfast Lamb Burger:

• Top your cooked patty with a fried egg
• Add sliced avocado and sriracha
• Serve on an English muffin for a protein-packed morning meal

Ground Meat Substitutions

While lamb is traditional, you can experiment:

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a more familiar flavor
• Ground turkey: A leaner option; add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep patties moist
• Mixed meats: Try half lamb and half beef for a milder lamb flavor
• Plant-based: Use plant-based ground meat; add extra Mediterranean spices since plant proteins need more seasoning

Equipment Recommendations

You don't need a lot of fancy tools to make this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe perfectly:

• Cast-iron skillet or grill pan: My top choice for indoor cooking; retains heat beautifully and creates excellent crust on the patties
• Outdoor grill: Gas or charcoal both work wonderfully; charcoal adds extra smoky flavor
• Meat thermometer: Essential for checking doneness without cutting into your burgers and losing juices
• Mixing bowls: One large bowl for the lamb mixture and one medium bowl for tzatziki
• Box grater: For grating cucumber; the finer the grate, the better
• Kitchen towel: Crucial for squeezing water from grated cucumber
• Spatula: A wide, sturdy spatula makes flipping burgers easier without breaking them
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate seasoning

Budget-friendly alternatives: A regular frying pan works if you don't have cast iron, and you can check doneness by cutting into one burger (though you'll lose some juices this way).

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

• Uncooked patties: Form the patties and stack them with parchment paper between each one; store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before cooking
• Cooked burgers: Let patties cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results
• Tzatziki sauce: Keeps well for 3-5 days in a covered container; give it a stir before using as some separation is natural
• This make-ahead option makes the Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe perfect for meal prep

Freezer Storage

• Raw patties: Freeze for up to 3 months; place parchment paper between patties and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag
• Cooked patties: Freeze for up to 2 months; wrap individually and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
• Tzatziki: Freezes for up to 1 month, though the texture may change slightly; stir well after thawing

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil; warm burgers for 2-3 minutes per side
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for 10-12 minutes
• Microwave: Use as a last resort; heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking
• Never refreeze previously frozen and cooked lamb burgers

FAQ

Ready to Try More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes?

Now that you've mastered this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe, you're ready to tackle other flavor-packed dishes. These juicy lamb burgers with their tangy feta and cooling tzatziki sauce prove that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to create restaurant-quality meals. The combination of simple ingredients, Mediterranean spices, and proper technique makes this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe a winner every single time.

If you loved the bold flavors in this Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe, you'll definitely want to try our Buffalo Bites Recipe for game day snacking, or take your pizza night up a notch with our Shrimp Scampi Pizza Recipe. Both bring that same wow factor to your dinner table. Don't forget to share your burger creations in the comments below; I love seeing how you make this recipe your own with different toppings and variations!

With love and good food
By Lisa Johnson💛

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Mediterranean Lamb Burger Recipe