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–+ servings
Round pita bread with a Greek-style burger patty on top complete with tzatziki spread on and cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and sprigs of dill placed on a round white plate.
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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.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 4 pita burgers

Equipment

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.