The Best Greek Spanakopita Burger Recipe with lean ground beef or lamb, spinach and feta makes for the best burgers, especially on a homemade bun!
Authentic Spanakopita
Oh sure, we’ve all had a Greek spinach phyllo pie by now, known worldwide as Spanakopita.
Ever since the film, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘ that aired in 2002, all who viewed became enamored with Greek food.
That said, the film was as much Italian, Middle Eastern, Mexican or Jewish, as it was Greek.
Why? Traditions!
Greek Burgers?
While spending time in Greece (also once married to a Greek), many years ago, I never had a burger like this.
A Greek burger was usually a patty of meat made of ground lamb.
It was the toppings that made it ‘Greek’!
However, I can assure you, that since I created this Greek spanakopita burger and put the recipe right here, the Greek community where I live is loving it!
The Tradition Of Burgers
When it comes to burgers, we Americans like to think we created this marvelous ‘meal in a bun’ phenomenon, but it wasn’t, we simply perfected it.
The burger has taken on the flavors of just about every ethnic cuisine that makes America the delicious melting pot of culture that it is.
So, why not Spanakopita Burgers!
Spinach and Feta Makes For The Best Greek Burger
What makes these burgers a great recipe, is the attention given to the details of the individual components, before making them into a burger.
Being of Middle Eastern heritage, I grew up enjoying both Koftas and Kibbeh, which are ground lamb dishes that have many flavorful ingredients.
Having also grown up with a type of spanakopita, often made with yeast dough instead of phyllo, I got the idea for this recipe.
A meat burger with spinach and feta inside the meat mixture, and put it on a homemade burger bun, or a bakery quality bun. This burger has become the only burger I crave!
This recipe even triggered the idea for making a Spanakopita Muffin also, but that’s another story, for another time!
My Spanakopita Burger Recipe
I acquired a cooking secret, while raising my four kids, that could get the pickiest of eaters to eat their veggies.
Simply grind them up and hide them in the turkey burgers, meatballs, or other foods the kids like to eat.
In keeping with this concept, I created the best burger, borrowing Greek flavors.
Of course, I had to serve it on a homemade burger bun, much like the yeast bread spinach pies I grew up with, and what a hit they were with my family!
What To Serve With Spanakopita Burgers?
While this burger is almost a meal in and of itself, I find the most complimentary side dish to go with it is Tzatziki.
Tzatziki is simply a mixture of plain yogurt, with sliced cucumbers, chopped garlic, and fresh herbs; such as chopped green onions, dill, parsley or cilantro.
Add to this culinary spread, a few slices of red peppers, kalamata olives, and a cold drink and you will be singing ‘Opa’ by the end of the meal!
Equipment Needed
- Frying pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Chopping knife
- Measuring spoons,
- Citrus press
- Stovetop or burner
Ingredients Needed
- Ground lamb or meat of choice
- Spinach
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Feta cheese
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Homemade Burger Buns
- Greek Yogurt
Other Whimsical Burgers You Are Sure To Love!
- Sliders – Known as the better burger, because much is packed into these 2-bite burgers.
- Cheeseburger Muffins – A whimsical creation I brought into the publication of my 52 Muffin Madness cookbook.
Best Greek Spanakopita Burger Recipe
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Slotted spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground lamb, or meat of choice
- 1 lb Fresh spinach
- 1 Small red onion
- 2 Garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, plus a little extra
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 4 oz Feta, crumbled
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice, and lemon zest
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 4 Burger buns Homemade Burger Buns
Instructions
- Chop the onion into small pieces by hand or in a food processor, and place both onions and crushed clove of garlic into a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and butter and sauté until soft.
- Add to the pan, rough chopped spinach and cook only until the leaves shrink and turn bright green.
- Transfer the spinach mixture into large bowl, add the lemon juice, zest, teaspoon of oregano, pepper flakes, salt and ground meat. Mix well.
- Gently mix in the crumbled feta and begin to form the mixture into a good burger shape, either 6 medium size burgers or 4 huge burgers.
- Heat the same large skillet on medium-high heat with a little extra-virgin olive oil, and place the burger patties into the pan to cook on both sides until golden brown. The best burger has an internal temperature of 160 to 165 for a well-done burger, less if you prefer it medium rare.
- Serve with a burger bun and perhaps some Tzatziki sauce.
Video
I believe the table... that place that draws people to gather, is the most powerful symbol of togetherness. All that happens before the table is set, the planning, the gathering, the preparing, are all an intricate part of the dance that create the mood of celebration to share with friends and loved ones.