Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita
Juicy lamb burgers seasoned with warm spices, served with cool tzatziki sauce and grilled pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (mediterranean) ready in about 32 minutes pairs pound ground lamb, teaspoon ground cumin, teaspoon ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground lamb, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined and form into 4 evenly sized patties.
- Step 2: For the tzatziki, stir together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup finely diced peeled cucumber, 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush 4 pita bread rounds on both sides with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb patties for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F and nicely charred edges.
- Step 5: Grill the pita breads for about 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and grill marks appear.
- Step 6: Serve each lamb burger on a warm grilled pita round topped with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 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 Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita?
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 Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita?
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 Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita 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 Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita?
Mediterranean grilling 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.
