These Greek Lamb Burgers Taste Like a Gyro in a Bun! 🇬🇷🍔

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground Lamb (preferably 80% lean, fresh)
• 2 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
• 2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp Ground Coriander
• 0.5 tsp Dried Mint
• 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (optional, if not using fresh rosemary)
• 1 each Bell Pepper (any color, grated; discard skin after grating)
• 6 oz Feta Cheese (Greek feta, crumbled; 4 oz for the patty mixture, 2 oz for topping)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, for caramelizing onions)
• 1 large Onion (thinly sliced for caramelizing)
• 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (pinch, helps caramelization)
• 2 tbsp Balsamic Glaze (store‑bought or reduced balsamic vinegar)
• 6 each Burger Buns (soft brioche or ciabatta buns, toasted)
• 6 tbsp Tzatziki Sauce (Greek yogurt based, store‑bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Grate Bell Pepper and Prep Herbs

   Grate the whole bell pepper using the box grater, discarding the skin. Finely chop the fresh rosemary and set aside. Crumble the feta cheese.

   Time: PT5M

2. Season and Mix Lamb

   In a large mixing bowl combine ground lamb, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, dried mint, rosemary (and optional oregano), grated bell pepper, and crumbled feta. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.

   Time: PT5M

3. Form Patties and Rest

   Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a flat patty about ¾‑inch thick. Place on a parchment‑lined baking tray and let rest while you prepare the onions.

   Time: PT5M

4. Caramelize Onions

   Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil, sliced onion, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the onions turn deep golden and sweet.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: Medium heat (≈350°F)

5. Preheat Grill or Cast‑Iron Pan

   If using a grill, light it and let it heat up to about 500°F. If using a cast‑iron pan, place it on the stovetop and preheat until it’s smoking hot.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 500°F

6. Grill Lamb Burgers

   Place the patties on the hot surface. Cook for 4 minutes on the first side, flip and cook another 4 minutes, then flip once more and finish for 1‑2 minutes. Sprinkle extra crumbled feta on each patty during the last minute. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F.

   Time: PT11M

   Temperature: 500°F

7. Toast Buns

   While the burgers finish, place the buns cut side down in the same hot pan for about 30 seconds until lightly toasted.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: 500°F

8. Assemble the Burgers

   Spread a thin layer of tzatziki on the bottom bun, place the cooked lamb patty, top with caramelized onions, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

650

Protein

35g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

35g

Fiber

2g