Pan-Seared Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Feta
Juicy lamb burgers seasoned with Mediterranean spices, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta, served on toasted pita for a satisfying Greek-inspired meal. This greek-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs pound ground lamb, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 small, toasted pita breads
- 1 medium tomato, sliced tomato slices
- 1/4 cup red onion slices
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound ground lamb, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 4 patties about 1/2-inch thick. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and well-drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Step 4: To assemble, spread 2 tbsp tzatziki on each toasted pita bread, top with a lamb patty, 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2-3 tomato slices, and some red onion slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Feta take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Feta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound ground lamb from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Feta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Feta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Feta?
Greek beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
