Juicy lamb burgers are a nice change from your typical burger night, with tender patties and bold Mediterranean flavor. They cook in about 30 minutes and work just as well in a skillet as they do on the grill.
Why You'll Love This Lamb Burger Recipe
These Greek herb-seasoned lamb burgers are easy to shape, quick to cook, and full of savory Mediterranean flavor. Keep the patties gently mixed and don't overcook them, and you get a juicy lamb burger that works with classic burger toppings, tzatziki sauce, or a full Greek-style spread.
- Easy to prepare: The patties mix in one bowl and cook in about 10 minutes, so this works for a simple dinner or a casual grilling meal.
- Juicy when cooked right: Gentle mixing and steady heat help the lamb stay tender instead of dense or dry.
- Greek herb flavor: Dried Greek seasoning gives the lamb patties a savory herb flavor that pairs naturally with tzatziki sauce, feta, tomato, onion, and greens.
Ingredients Overview
Ground lamb is the main ingredient, and it has enough flavor that you don't need a long seasoning list. Dried Greek seasoning gives the patties an oregano-style herb flavor, while garlic, salt, and pepper keep the seasoning simple.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Lamb Burgers
Mix the ground lamb gently with the seasonings, then divide it into four patties. Cook the burgers in a hot skillet or on the grill until browned and cooked through, then let them rest briefly before building the burgers.
Toast the buns while the burgers finish, and let everyone assemble their own with sauces and fresh toppings. The step-by-step photos below show the shaping and cooking process.
Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground lamb, garlic, salt, pepper, Greek seasoning blend, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently just until combined.
Step 2: Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties slightly wider than your buns.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or grill over medium to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan if needed, then add the patties without crowding them.
Step 4: Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
Step 5: Arrange the lamb burgers on platters with toasted buns, sauces, greens, tomato slices, and red onion slices so everyone can build their own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lamb burgers with caramelized onions to add on top of the burger, and a potato salad or coleslaw. for a fresh Mediterranean-style meal. They also fit right into a summer grilling menu with classic sides like baked beans or a watermelon fruit salad.
Substitutions and Variations
Some useful substitutions and variations when making this recipe:
- Use a different Greek blend: Store-bought Greek seasoning blends vary, so choose one with herbs like oregano, basil, dill, parsley, garlic, or onion.
- Add feta: Crumbled feta can be mixed into the patties or added on top of the cooked burgers.
- Change the greens: Use arugula, romaine, butter lettuce, baby spinach, or spring mix depending on what you have.
- Make smaller patties: Shape the lamb mixture into sliders for parties, appetizer trays, or smaller servings.
Tips for Success
A few small details keep lamb burgers tender and juicy.
- Shape evenly: Make the patties the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.
- Use steady heat: Medium to medium-high heat browns the outside without drying out the center too fast.
- Don't press the patties: Pressing them with a spatula pushes juices into the pan instead of keeping them in the burger.
- Check the temperature: Ground lamb should be cooked to 160°F for food safety.
Storage Options
Store the patties separately from the buns and toppings so the burgers don't turn soggy.
- Refrigerate: Store cooked lamb patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked patties in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm the patties in a skillet over low heat, in the air fryer, or in the microwave until heated through.
- Store toppings separately: Keep lettuce, tomato, onion, sauces, and buns separate until serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ground lamb burgers should be cooked to 160°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest patty for the most accurate reading.
Ground lamb is different from lamb chops or roasts because the meat has been ground. Use the internal temperature, not the color, to judge when the burgers are done.
Yes. Grill lamb burgers over medium to medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the center before serving.
Yes. Shape the uncooked lamb patties, place parchment paper between them, and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
No. You can use any herb blend you like, such as Italian seasoning blend, Herbs de Provence, or keep the seasoning simple with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Grilling and BBQ Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Lamb Burgers
Equipment
- Round Cast Iron Skillet - 12 Inch
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb lean
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked
- 2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning or any herb blend you prefer
- 1 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For serving:
- 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns
- tzatziki sauce or mayonnaise
- arugula
- tomato slices
- red onion slices
- lettuce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground lamb, garlic, salt, pepper, dried Greek seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently just until combined.1 lb ground lamb, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, 1 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties slightly wider than your buns.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium to medium-high heat. Lightly oil if using a pan.
- Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- While the burgers cook, lightly toast the brioche buns in a pan or on the grill until golden.4 brioche buns
- Arrange the lamb burgers on platters with toasted buns, sauces, greens, tomato slices, and red onion slices so everyone can build their own.tzatziki sauce , arugula, tomato slices, red onion slices, lettuce
Notes
- Shape evenly: Make the patties the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.
- Use steady heat: Medium to medium-high heat browns the outside without drying out the center too fast.
- Don't press the patties: Pressing them with a spatula pushes juices into the pan instead of keeping them in the burger.
- Check the temperature: Ground lamb should be cooked to 160°F for food safety.
Nutrition
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Kelly Bloom says
My family loved this!