Greek hamburgers, often called bifteki, are a flavorful twist on classic burgers that bring bright Mediterranean ingredients to the table. Fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of vinegar create a savory, aromatic patty that stays tender and juicy while baking in the oven.
The combination of mint, oregano, parsley, and lemon gives these burgers their signature Greek-inspired flavor. They’re simple to prepare and pair perfectly with roasted Greek-style potatoes, a crisp salad, or warm pita for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs (from about 2 slices white sandwich bread)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove the mixture from the skillet and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let the mixture soak briefly until the crumbs soften.
- Add the eggs, parsley, vinegar, salt, oregano, mint, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Mix in the cooled onion and garlic mixture, followed by the ground beef. Gently mix until everything is incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into 12 patties about 3/4-inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty reads 160°F (71°C).
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and your choice of Greek-style potatoes or a fresh Greek salad.