The Gyros Burger is a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes, combining the juicy flavors of grilled beef and lamb patties with the refreshing, creamy tzatziki sauce. Served with fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onions, this burger brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your summer grilling session.
This recipe is perfect for a BBQ gathering or a casual weeknight meal. The combination of herbs and spices in the meat gives the burger a flavorful kick, while the tzatziki sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast. Whether you’re a fan of Greek food or just looking for a new twist on your regular burger, these Gyros Burgers will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 medium onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
Directions:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Brush the patties with olive oil on both sides.
- Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- While the burgers cook, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
- Once the patties are done, place them on the buns. Top each patty with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce, fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious gyros-style burgers!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Key Ingredients That Make These Burgers Special
The magic of Gyros Burgers lies in the combination of ingredients that create a deliciously complex and satisfying flavor profile. Ground beef and lamb work together to provide a balance of richness and flavor, with lamb adding a distinct, savory taste. The addition of fresh onion, garlic, and a variety of Greek spices like oregano, cumin, and coriander brings an aromatic and herbaceous quality that makes each bite burst with flavor.
One of the key elements that set Gyros Burgers apart is the tzatziki sauce. Tzatziki is a yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and fresh dill. The cool, creamy texture and tangy flavor of tzatziki help to balance the richness of the meat and adds a refreshing element to the burger. The tzatziki also gives the burger a distinctive Greek flair, making it a unique take on the classic burger.
Grilling: The Best Way to Cook Gyros Burgers
While you can cook these burgers in a skillet or on the stovetop, grilling them is the best way to achieve that smoky, charred flavor that adds extra depth to the taste. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the meat and helps to lock in the juiciness, creating a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Additionally, grilling the burgers adds a slight smokiness that pairs perfectly with the fresh, cool tzatziki sauce.
If you’re using a stovetop grill pan, make sure it’s preheated before adding the patties to ensure a good sear. Grill the burgers over medium-high heat, turning them carefully to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. The key is to avoid overcooking them to keep the patties juicy and tender. You want a nice char on the outside but still a bit of pink in the middle to maintain their moistness.
Why Lamb and Beef Make the Perfect Pairing for Gyros Burgers
If you’ve never combined ground beef and lamb before, you’re in for a treat. Beef alone is flavorful, but when paired with lamb, the result is a richer, more robust taste. Lamb adds a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly earthy, making it a perfect match for the bold seasonings used in the Gyros Burger recipe. Beef, on the other hand, provides a satisfying meaty texture and familiarity that most people enjoy.
The combination of these two meats also makes the patties more tender and juicy, giving the Gyros Burger a delightful texture. The fat from the lamb ensures that the burger stays moist, while the beef provides structure and holds the patties together.
Perfect Toppings for Your Gyros Burger
While the meat and tzatziki sauce are the star of this dish, the toppings are what make the burger feel fresh and complete. Fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and onions are classic toppings for a Greek-inspired burger. These vegetables add crunch, freshness, and slight acidity, which help balance the richness of the meat and sauce.
You can also get creative with your toppings. Try adding some sliced cucumber for extra crunch and a hint of freshness. Feta cheese can bring in a salty, creamy element that enhances the Mediterranean flavors. Pickled red onions offer a tangy bite that pairs wonderfully with the rich lamb and beef patties. You can even serve the Gyros Burgers with a side of crispy fries or a light Greek salad to complete the meal.
How to Serve Gyros Burgers
Gyros Burgers are perfect for casual dining and can be served in a variety of settings. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or even a casual lunch, these burgers are sure to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with a side of homemade fries, roasted vegetables, or a Greek-style salad for a complete meal.
For a more casual twist, you can also serve these burgers as sliders at a party. The small size makes them perfect for guests to enjoy while mingling, and you can provide a variety of dipping sauces, such as extra tzatziki or a lemony tahini dressing.
A Healthier Twist: Customizing Your Gyros Burger
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter or fit into specific dietary needs, there are several ways you can customize the Gyros Burger. For a lower-fat version, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and lamb. While this will alter the flavor slightly, it will still provide a delicious burger experience. You can also make the tzatziki sauce with low-fat yogurt to reduce the overall fat content.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the hamburger buns for gluten-free options or serve the Gyros Burger in a lettuce wrap. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, lettuce wraps are a great option to keep the burger filling while avoiding the carbs from the bun.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Gyros Burgers Today
Gyros Burgers offer an exciting and flavorful alternative to traditional hamburgers. By combining the savory, rich flavors of ground beef and lamb with the refreshing tang of tzatziki sauce, this burger delivers a Mediterranean twist that will satisfy your craving for something new and delicious. The grilled patties, fresh toppings, and perfectly toasted buns come together to create a burger that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quick weeknight meal, Gyros Burgers are versatile, customizable, and always a hit. The flavors of Greece in every bite make this burger a standout in any burger lineup, and the combination of ingredients ensures that it will become a family favorite. If you’re looking to elevate your burger game and explore new, bold flavors, Gyros Burgers are the perfect choice for your next meal.
