Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my lamb burger recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Ground Lamb – I usually find it at the grocery store, otherwise your local butcher will have it. If you have extra, use it to make my homemade gyro meat! Olive Oil – My secret ingredient to make the lamb burgers extra juicy! You’ll need it for the pan if cooking indoors, but that’s no secret, is it? The secret part is that I mix it into the ground lamb itself, just like I do for beef. Avocado oil works as well. Fresh Herbs – Fresh dill, fresh mint, and fresh parsley together are the ultimate Mediterranean combo. If you’re missing one of these, you can replace it with more of the others. If you want to use dried herbs, use a teaspoon of each instead of a tablespoon of each. Garlic – You know me, 1 clove is never enough, but 2 were enough this time. If you’re in a hurry, a teaspoon of the jarred stuff works. Dijon Mustard – This is optional, and makes the flavor more complex, so you decide. My husband liked the addition, my kids preferred this lamb burger recipe without it, and I liked both ways. But all of us agreed that a teaspoon is the max — the burgers smelled off and tasted bitter when I added more. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – My rule of thumb is a teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper per pound of meat. The burgers are not spicy this way, so if you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
How To Make Lamb Burgers
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. For an extra flavor boost, mix in some crumbled feta cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, or spices, like cumin and paprika.
How Long To Cook Lamb Burgers?
The USDA recommends 160 degrees F for ground lamb (well done). I prefer medium doneness (140 degrees F) for my lamb burger recipe, so I cook them for about 6-8 minutes total. Use my chart below make your burgers just the way you like them! I highly recommend a meat thermometer (I use this one and insert after flipping). Note: Internal temperatures for ground lamb are about 5 degrees lower than ground beef, for the same doneness, but I find the time is about the same. The temp above are when you’d pull from heat, but it’ll go 3-5 degrees higher while resting.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap, pop in an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Meal prep: Feel free to shape your lamb patties the day before you cook them, and keep in the fridge. Reheat: I’ve found the air fryer to be the best method for reheating my lamb burger recipe without drying it out. A skillet with oil, your oven (at 350 degrees F), or even your grill over indirect heat will also do the trick. Freeze: If you want to freeze, I recommend doing it before cooking. Just wrap the patties individually in plastic wrap, pop in a zip lock bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. If they’re already cooked, they are best within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving Ideas
You can serve these lamb burgers with many of the same sides as regular burgers, but the toppings that work best are different. Here are some ideas for both to complete your healthy dinner:
Don’t overmix the meat. It pushes the juices out and leads to a tough lamb burger. For this reason, I always mix the seasonings first and add the meat last. Form the patties lightly, with colder hands if you can. I wash my hands with cold water before shaping to keep the meat from warming up. 1/2 inch is the ideal thickness. These are fairly small 1/4-pound lamb burgers, but you can make them larger by forming 3 instead of 4. Just make sure they’re still 1/2 inch thick. Don’t forget the thumbprint. This prevents the burgers from bulging out as they cook and helps them cook more evenly. I place them on the grill or in the pan flat side down first, because they get a better sear that way. You need higher heat, but adjust as needed. I always preheat and cook at medium-high, but because lamb is more tender than beef, sometimes you have to turn it down if they darken too quickly. Avoid pressing or moving them around. Let them sear undisturbed except to flip, so they get that perfect crust. And definitely avoid pressing with a spatula, or you’ll push out all the yummy juices!
Buns & Fixings – Sometimes I go for a lettuce wrap, other times gluten-free buns. Pick your fave. For fixings, I highly recommend slices of tomato and red onion, arugula, and my homemade tzatziki sauce, as pictured above. Fries – Whip up my Greek lemon potatoes with these lamb burgers to keep the Mediterranean theme going, steak fries for a classic option, or zucchini fries for something lighter. Veggies – You’ve already got the grill on, so might as well make grilled broccoli, grilled eggplant, or even cauliflower steaks. For those indoor cooking days, try my easy roasted cauliflower or sauteed broccoli. Salad – I think lamb burger recipes just scream for crisp, fresh veggies on the side, so this is my favorite side of all. I served mine with Greek salad (in the background above), but my cucumber tomato salad or creamy cucumber salad also pair perfectly.
More Easy Lamb Recipes
If you like my lamb burger recipe and are ready to branch out to other cuts, try one of my other easy lamb recipes:
My Tools For This Recipe
Cast Iron – I love grilling up these juicy lamb burgers, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate, my trusty cast iron skillet works great. If you want those classic grill marks, this cast iron grill pan is perfect for that. Probe Thermometer – This was a game-changer when I got it years ago. It beeps when meat reaches the right temperature!
Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include the optional Dijon mustard. After moving, I’m trying to get away from having a house “full of stuff”, but I’m focusing on fewer things that spark happiness instead. And if they get me excited about going to the gym? Worth it. Do you have certain items that just bring you joy when you use them in daily life? Let me know in the comments below!
