Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Juicy Ground Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 2 reviews

These Juicy Ground Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki are bursting with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and dill. The lamb patties are perfectly seasoned with garlic, cinnamon, and pepper, then grilled or pan-seared to juicy perfection. Served on soft burger buns and topped with a creamy, herbed Greek yogurt tzatziki, pickled red onions, arugula, and feta cheese, this recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes ideal for a flavorful, satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Lamb Burgers

  • 1½ lbs (680g) ground lamb
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Generous pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 4 burger buns (or slider buns)
  • Nonstick spray or oil for cooking

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup (240g) whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (from ½ a medium lemon)
  • 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup cucumber, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Additional Toppings

  • Pickled red onions
  • Arugula or mixed greens
  • Feta cheese
  • Thinly sliced cucumbers

Instructions

  1. Season the lamb. In a large bowl, combine 1½ lbs ground lamb with ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 2 Tbsp chopped mint, 2 grated garlic cloves, 1½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and a generous pinch or two of ground cinnamon. Mix gently until just fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the burgers tender.
  2. Form the ground lamb patties. Divide the lamb mixture into four equal portions weighing roughly 5½ ounces each (or 3½ ounces each for slider-sized patties). Shape each portion into uniform round patties. Press a small indentation with your thumb in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly. Let the patties rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
  3. Make the herbed yogurt tzatziki. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, fresh dill, fresh mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced cucumber, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Cook the lamb burgers. Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grill with nonstick spray or the skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Assemble the burgers. Place each lamb patty on a burger bun and top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Add pickled red onions, arugula or mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumbers, and feta cheese as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, juicy lamb burger with Mediterranean flair.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the ground lamb when seasoning to avoid tough burgers.
  • The indentation in the center of each patty helps prevent puffing up and promotes even cooking.
  • Letting the patties rest at room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
  • Cooking to medium-rare or medium ensures juicy burgers; use a meat thermometer for best results.
  • Slider-sized patties can be made by reducing the patty size to about 3½ ounces each.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean