Burgers & Patties

Mediterranean Beef Burgers

Name: Mediterranean Beef Burgers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 cup (115g) crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) pitted kalamata olives; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and grated; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dill; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

By Liana Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Burgers & Patties

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Mediterranean Beef Burgers — Juicy beef burgers with a Mediterranean twist

I still remember the first time I had a Mediterranean-style burger. The combination of juicy beef, salty feta, and tangy kalamata olives was a game-changer for me. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This Mediterranean Beef Burgers recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with friends.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like freshly ground beef and real feta cheese. I also like to add some finely chopped onion and garlic to give the burgers a depth of flavor. And of course, no Mediterranean-style burger would be complete without some kalamata olives and a sprinkle of oregano.

I love serving these burgers with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. They're also delicious with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, which I'll show you how to make in the recipe below. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think!

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with another type of cheese, like parmesan or goat cheese. And if you want to add some extra flavor to your burgers, you can try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.

In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also relatively quick and easy to make. The burgers themselves only take about 20 minutes to cook, and the tzatziki sauce can be made in just a few minutes. So if you're looking for a fast and flavorful dinner option, this recipe is a great choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burgers are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
The combination of flavors and textures is both familiar and exciting.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can make it your own.
The tzatziki sauce is a refreshing and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the burgers.
This recipe is budget-friendly and won't break the bank.

Why This Recipe Works

So what makes this Mediterranean Beef Burgers recipe so special? For one, it's the combination of flavors and textures. The juicy beef, salty feta, and tangy kalamata olives all work together to create a flavor profile that's both familiar and exciting. And the addition of some finely chopped onion and garlic gives the burgers a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.

Another reason this recipe works so well is the technique. By cooking the burgers in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil, we're able to get a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. And by using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, we can ensure that they're cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking them.

Finally, the tzatziki sauce is a game-changer. Made with yogurt, cucumber, and dill, it's a refreshing and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the burgers. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make - just combine all the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients we'll need. We'll be using a combination of ground beef, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and some finely chopped onion and garlic to give the burgers a depth of flavor. We'll also need some yogurt, cucumber, and dill to make the tzatziki sauce.

When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options. Look for freshly ground beef and real feta cheese, and try to find kalamata olives that are packed in oil for the best flavor.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for freshly ground beef with a fat content of around 20% for the juiciest burgers.
1/2 cup (115g) crumbled feta cheeseReal feta cheese is essential for this recipe - don't substitute with another type of cheese.
1/4 cup (30g) pitted kalamata olivesKalamata olives have a rich, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and feta.
1/2 medium onion, finely choppedFinely chopping the onion helps to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the burgers.
2 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic to release its natural oils and flavor compounds.
1/4 cup (60g) plain Greek yogurtGreek yogurt is essential for the tzatziki sauce - don't substitute with regular yogurt.
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and gratedGrate the cucumber to release its natural juices and flavor compounds.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dillFresh dill is essential for the tzatziki sauce - don't substitute with dried dill.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the burgers and add flavor to the tzatziki sauce.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the burgers.
Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the burgers with salt and pepper to taste, but be careful not to overseason.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Beef Burgers

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or grill panInstant-read thermometerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Mediterranean Beef Burgers

1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled feta cheese, pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they are just combined - be careful not to overmix.
2
Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a ball. Flatten each ball into a patty about 3/4 inch (2cm) thick.
3
Heat a large heavy skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon (15g) of olive oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
4
Add the patties to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to an internal temperature of 160F (71C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5
While the burgers are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the burgers to retain their moisture.
7
Serve the burgers on a bun with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of dried oregano, and your choice of toppings.
8
To make the tzatziki sauce more flavorful, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of paprika.
9
If you want to add some extra flavor to your burgers, you can try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the mixture before cooking.
10
To cook the burgers in a grill pan, preheat the pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon (15g) of olive oil. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to an internal temperature of 160F (71C).
11
To cook the burgers in the oven, preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked to an internal temperature of 160F (71C).
12
Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the burgers to retain their moisture.
13
Serve the burgers with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, like freshly ground beef and real feta cheese, for the best flavor.
Don't overmix the burger mixture, or the burgers may become tough and dense.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, and cook them to a safe temperature to avoid foodborne illness.
Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and the burgers to retain their moisture.
Experiment with different toppings and condiments, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts, to add extra flavor to your burgers.
Consider making a double batch of tzatziki sauce, and storing it in the fridge for up to a week to use as a dip or a topping for other dishes.
If you're cooking the burgers in a grill pan, be sure to preheat the pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
If you're cooking the burgers in the oven, be sure to preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and cook the burgers for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked to an internal temperature of 160F (71C).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the burger mixture, which can make the burgers tough and dense.
Not cooking the burgers to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Not letting the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the burgers to become dry.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as frozen beef or artificial cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the burgers.
Not seasoning the burgers with salt and pepper, which can make them taste bland and unappetizing.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, which can make it difficult to determine if they are cooked to a safe temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the burger mixture for extra flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as parmesan or goat cheese, instead of feta.
Adding a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh parsley to the burgers for extra flavor and color.
Serving the burgers on a toasted bun with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and a side of roasted vegetables.
Using a grill pan or oven to cook the burgers, instead of a skillet.
Making a double batch of tzatziki sauce and storing it in the fridge for up to a week to use as a dip or topping for other dishes.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the tzatziki sauce for extra flavor and brightness.

What to Serve With Mediterranean Beef Burgers

These Mediterranean Beef Burgers are perfect for serving at a BBQ or picnic, and can be paired with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or a side of creamy coleslaw.

Consider serving the burgers on a toasted bun with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of dried oregano, and your choice of toppings, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsA simple green salad with a light vinaigretteA side of creamy coleslaw or potato saladGrilled or sautéed mushrooms or onionsA side of warm pita bread or crispy flatbreadA dollop of tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of dried oregano

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you want to make these burgers ahead of time, you can prepare the burger mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Simply shape the mixture into patties and cook them when you're ready.

You can also cook the burgers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply cook the burgers in a skillet or oven until they are warmed through.

The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

To freeze the burgers, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the burgers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Feta cheese is the best choice for this recipe, as it has a salty, tangy flavor that pairs well with the beef and olives. You can also use other types of cheese, such as parmesan or goat cheese, but feta is the most traditional choice.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burger mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Simply shape the mixture into patties and cook them when you're ready. You can also cook the burgers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

What is the best way to cook these burgers?

The best way to cook these burgers is in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also cook them in the oven, but be sure to preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and cook the burgers for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked to an internal temperature of 160F (71C).

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

No, it's best to use freshly ground beef for this recipe. Frozen beef can be dry and lacking in flavor, which can affect the overall quality of the burgers.

What is the best type of bun to use for these burgers?

A toasted bun is the best choice for these burgers, as it provides a crunchy texture and a bit of flavor. You can use a variety of buns, such as a ciabatta or a pretzel bun, but a toasted bun is the most traditional choice.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

What is the best way to store the burgers and tzatziki sauce?

The best way to store the burgers is in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. The tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze the tzatziki sauce?

No, it's best not to freeze the tzatziki sauce, as it can separate and become watery when thawed. Instead, make a fresh batch of sauce when you're ready to serve the burgers.

The Full Recipe

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