Use a proper smash burger tool (this is the one I use – pictured below).
If you don’t have the smash burger tool, grab a large heavy pan with a flat bottom and use your weight to press down as flat as possible.
Make sure your cook top or pan is flat and large.
After the burger has been smashed down, avoid pressing on it again while cooking. This keeps the juices inside the burger, so it doesn’t dry out.
Choose a high-quality ground beef that’s close to an 80/20 ratio.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE GREEK SMASH PITA BURGERS?

One of the best things about this recipe (as well as many other Greek recipes) is the minimal amount of quality ingredients needed.

For the burgers – these greek-style burgers are made with ground beef, red onion, garlic, feta, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper.

For the tzatziki – my homemade tzatziki recipe is tried and true. Made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

For the toppings – we keep it simple with sliced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta for a gyro-like feel.

HOW TO MAKE GREEK SMASH PITA BURGERS

Step 1 – Grate 1/2 an unpeeled English cucumber using the large side of a box grater and squeeze out the water using a cheesecloth or your hands. To a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Step 2 – In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, red onion, garlic, feta, fresh dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Roll into 4 balls.

Step 3 – Heat a flat top grill or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and coat with a light layer of olive oil.

Step 4 – Transfer meat to the grill and place a pita on top. Immediately smash down using a burger press (or heavy pan), until it’s as flat as you can make it.

Step 5 – Cook for 4 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Flip over for about 30-60 seconds. Transfer cooked pita burgers to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 6 – Top each pita burger with desired amount of tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta.

RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

This Greek-style pita burger is made with quintessential Greek ingredients for the most authentic taste.

However, there are plenty of ways to customize these pita burgers to your liking.

Such as:

Protein – use ground lamb, turkey, pork, or bison.
Tzatziki – add hummus, harissa, garlic dip, or a store-bought tzatziki to save time.
Toppings – consider kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, pickled red onion, lettuce, or any of your other favorite toppings.
Gluten free – use a gluten-free pita.
Dairy free – use vegan feta and dairy-free Greek yogurt.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

RECIPE FAQ’S

What to do with leftover greek smash pita burgers?

These are best fresh but if you have leftovers, you can store the burgers and toppings separately for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the pitas for about 45 seconds and then add fresh toppings.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

Greek Smash Pita Burgers

Thin and crispy Greek-style patties grilled under a pita and topped with homemade tzatziki, Greek salad veggies, and crumbled feta.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 5

Total Time 30

Servings pita burgers

Equipment

Burger press

Ingredients

For the tzatziki:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 English cucumber, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the burgers:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 red onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup feta crumbles
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Toppings:

4 pita bread
english cucumber, sliced into half moons
sliced red onion
crumbled feta

Instructions

Grate 1/2 an unpeeled English cucumber using the large side of a box grater and squeeze out the water using a cheesecloth or your hands. To a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, red onion, garlic, feta, fresh dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Roll into 4 balls.
Heat a flat top grill or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and coat with a light layer of olive oil.
Transfer meat to the grill and place a pita on top. Immediately smash down using a burger press (or heavy pan), until it’s as flat as you can make it.
Cook for 4 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Flip over for about 30-60 seconds. Transfer cooked pita burgers to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.
Top each pita burger with desired amount of tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta.

Notes

Smashing tool: if you don’t have a burger press, you can use a large flat bottomed pan.
Ensure even cooking: smash the meat down as evenly as possible so it’s an even thickness around the pita.
Protein: swap ground beef for lamb or turkey.
To make gluten-free: use a gluten-free pita bread.
To make dairy-free: use vegan feta and Greek yogurt alternatives.