Greek spanakopita burgers made with lamb or beef, spinach, feta, lemon, and herbs, are tucked into homemade buns for the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired burger recipe.
Greek Spanakopita Burgers with Spinach & Feta
There is something about late spring and early summer that makes Mediterranean flavors feel especially right. Perhaps it is the scent of herbs waking up in my garden and greenhouse, or the way warm evenings seem to ask for food that feels both rustic and bright at the same time.
These Greek Spanakopita Burgers were born somewhere between the inspiration of my growing up years making spanakopita, flaky spinach pies wrapped in phyllo dough with lots and lemon and feta tucked inside, and the smell of summer burgers in the air.
Served on homemade buns with cool tzatziki and crisp cucumbers nearby, they become the kind of meal that feels relaxed enough for a backyard dinner, but special enough to remember afterward.
And unlike traditional burgers weighed down with heavy toppings, these are vibrant. The spinach keeps the meat tender, the feta melts into creamy pockets, and the lemon quietly lifts every bite.
Why These Greek Spinach and Feta Burgers Work So Well
The beauty of these Mediterranean burgers is how naturally balanced they are. Rich lamb or beef meets fresh spinach and bright lemon, while feta adds a creamy, briny contrast that keeps every bite flavorful without needing much else.
Unlike many homemade burger recipes that dry out during cooking, the sautéed spinach helps lock moisture into the patties. The feta softens slightly as the burgers cook, creating little savory pockets throughout the meat.
These burgers are also endlessly adaptable:
- Use ground lamb for a deeply traditional Greek flavor
- Swap in lean ground beef for a lighter, family-friendly option
- Serve with tzatziki, cucumber salad, or roasted potatoes
- Grill outdoors or cook in a skillet year-round
They feel equally at home at a casual summer cookout or tucked into a cozy dinner indoors on a rainy evening.
Ingredients for Greek Spanakopita Burgers
Ground Lamb or Ground Beef – Ground lamb gives these burgers a rich, earthy Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with feta and oregano. Ground beef works wonderfully too, especially lean beef with enough fat to stay juicy while cooking.
Fresh Spinach – Fresh spinach softens into the meat mixture and keeps the burgers tender and moist. It also adds the unmistakable flavor profile of classic spanakopita.
Red Onion – Red onion adds sweetness and depth once sautéed, creating a softer flavor than raw onion mixed directly into burgers.
Garlic – Fresh crushed garlic gives the burgers warmth and savory richness that balances the lemon and feta.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile while helping the onions and spinach cook gently without burning.
Butter – A small amount of butter adds richness and helps mellow the onions as they sauté.
Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta is what transforms these from ordinary burgers into spanakopita-inspired burgers. Its salty creaminess melts slightly into the patties while still holding texture.
Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest – The lemon brightens the entire burger mixture and keeps the flavors feeling fresh rather than heavy.
Oregano – Oregano brings that classic Greek flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes – Just a pinch adds warmth without overpowering the delicate spinach and feta flavors.
Homemade Burger Buns – Soft homemade buns make these burgers feel especially special. Their pillowy texture contrasts perfectly with the savory patties.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Large Heavy Skillet – A large skillet allows the spinach to cook evenly without steaming too much moisture into the mixture.
Large Mixing Bowl – You’ll want plenty of room to gently combine the meat, spinach mixture, and feta without overmixing.
Slotted Spatula – A slotted spatula makes flipping the burgers easier while allowing excess oil to drain away.
Instant Read Thermometer – For perfectly cooked juicy burgers, checking the internal temperature prevents overcooking.
How to Make Greek Spanakopita Burgers
Step 1: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Spinach
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach and cook only until wilted and bright green. This step prevents excess moisture from watering down the burgers later.
Transfer the spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Build the Burger Mixture
Add the ground lamb or beef to the bowl along with lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
Gently mix everything together until just combined. Fold in the crumbled feta carefully so it stays slightly chunky throughout the mixture.
For tender homemade burgers, avoid overmixing the meat.
Step 3: Shape the Burgers
Form the mixture into either:
- 6 medium Greek burgers
- or 4 large gourmet-style burgers
Press a slight indentation into the center of each burger to help them cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the burgers until deeply golden on both sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. For well-done burgers, aim for an internal temperature between 160°F and 165°F.
The feta inside becomes creamy while the outside develops a crisp savory crust.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Serve on warm homemade buns with:
- Tzatziki sauce – Authentic Greek Tzatziki made with thick yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and mint or dill is a refreshing Mediterranean sauce for summer meals.
- Cold Cucumber Soup for starters – Made the Mediterranean way, using heirloom lemon cucumbers, yogurt, lemon and fresh herbs!
- Roasted Potatoes – Oven Roasted Herb Potato Fries, dusted with herbs of your choice, olive oil and coarse salt, will satisfy that potato craving for sure!
These sides pair beautifully with the rich Mediterranean flavors.
FAQ
Can I make Greek spanakopita burgers ahead of time?
Yes. The burger patties can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead before cooking.
Are these burgers better with lamb or beef?
Ground lamb gives the most authentic Greek flavor, while beef creates a milder burger that many families prefer. Both work beautifully.
Can I grill these burgers?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, handling carefully because the feta keeps them extra tender.
What goes well with spinach feta burgers?
Tzatziki sauce, cucumber salad, potato salad with homemade olive oil mayo, Greek pasta salad, even crisp spanakopita pastries all pair beautifully.
Can I freeze spinach feta burgers?
Yes. Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 2 months.
More Mediterranean Meals To Make At Home
My Mediterranean heritage has been what feeds my imagination when creating new recipes from familiar ingredients of my childhood. I hope you will try some of these recipes as well!
- Greek Baklava – What better dessert to serve with Greek Spanakopita Burgers than a baklava recipe steeped in history and honey!
- Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad – loaded with Mediterranean flavors, tomatoes, black olives, herbs and feta, is the perfect side dish for just about everything!
- Spanakopita Muffins – Made with all the delicious flavors in spanakopita made into a muffin, would be a great gift to give your guests when they leave from you Greek Burger gathering!
- Greek Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps – Everyone’s favorite Greek salad, with herb simmered chicken chunks, served in a lettuce wrap.
Greek Burgers for a Mediterranean Meal At Home
If you make these Greek Spanakopita Burgers, I’d love to know how you served them. Did you go traditional with lamb and tzatziki, or make them your own with beef and garden herbs?
Leave a comment below and share your favorite Mediterranean-inspired burger toppings. And if you snap a photo, be sure to tag your beautiful creations on Pinterest and Instagram so others can gather around the table too.
Greek Spanakopita Burgers with Spinach and Feta
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.
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.
The best tasting burger 👍😋😋🍔
Thank you Penny! I appreciate that xo