Lamb Burgers with Whipped Feta (Juicy Ground Lamb Burger Recipe)

Why You'll Love These Ground Lamb Burgers

I don’t think anyone shows up to a cookout expecting lamb burgers, and that’s exactly what makes these so fun to serve. People see them coming off the grill, take one bite, and instantly forget about regular beef patties. The lamb is rich, juicy, and full of flavor, so every burger feels a little more special than your standard backyard burger.

What really makes this lamb burger recipe stand out is the seasoning and the toppings. The ground lamb is mixed with garlic, rosemary, mint, and parsley, so the patties are fragrant and savory all the way through—not just seasoned on the outside. Then you pile on a cool, tangy whipped feta spread made with Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs. It cuts through the richness of the lamb and adds that fresh Mediterranean vibe in every bite.

These burgers are also incredibly easy to make. You just season the ground lamb, gently form the patties, and grill or pan-sear them until they’re beautifully browned on the outside and still juicy inside. Toast the buns, spread on the whipped feta, add your favorite toppings, and you’re done.

My favorite way to cook these lamb burgers is on the grill for that smoky, charred flavor, but a grill pan or cast-iron skillet works just as well. That means you can keep this ground lamb burger recipe in rotation all year long—summer cookouts, game days, or a cozy burger night at home in the colder months.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 4 burger buns
• 1 Lb. ground lamb
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp. mint, chopped
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper

For the Whipped Feta:

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• salt and pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Tomato slices
• Red onions
• Cucumber
• Lettuce

How To Make Lamb Burgers

Step 1: Preheat your grill or pan

If you’re grilling, preheat the grill to high heat so it’s nice and hot when the burgers go on. If you’re cooking indoors, heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Lightly coat the grates or pan with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil to help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the patties

In a medium bowl, add the ground lamb, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Gently knead everything together with your hands just until the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed. Try not to overwork the mixture—over-mixing can make lamb burgers dense instead of juicy.

Step 3: Shape the patties

Divide the lamb mixture into 4 equal portions and form each one into a patty about ¾–1 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much in the middle.

Step 4: Cook the burgers

Place the patties on the hot grill, grill pan, or skillet. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3–5 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip and continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness (lamb is often best at medium to medium-well so it stays juicy). If you’re using a thermometer, you’re aiming for about 145–160°F.

Step 5: Make the whipped feta topping

While the burgers cook or rest, make the whipped feta. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, dried rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir or whisk until the mixture is creamy and spreadable. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Assemble and serve

Spread a generous layer of whipped feta on the bottom (and top, if you like) buns. Place a cooked lamb burger patty on top, then add any optional toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, or extra herbs all work great. Close with the top bun.

Serve the lamb burgers right away while they’re hot, and the whipped feta is creamy. They’re great with fries, a simple salad, or a side of hummus and veggies.

My Expert Tips to Make the Best Lamb Burgers

Lamb Burger FAQS

Can I use another type of meat instead of lamb?

Yes, if you’re not a big lamb fan, you can absolutely swap in another ground meat. Ground beef or bison both work really well with the same seasonings. You can also use ground turkey or chicken, but since they’re milder and leaner, I’d bump the garlic, herbs, and spices a bit and make sure not to overcook them so the patties stay juicy.

Can I make these lamb burgers ahead of time?

Definitely. You can mix the seasoned ground lamb and shape it into patties up to 1–2 days in advance. Place the patties on a plate or tray, cover tightly, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before grilling or searing so they cook more evenly. You can also prep the whipped feta spread ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Can I cook lamb burgers on the stove instead of the grill?

Yes, these lamb burgers cook beautifully on the stovetop. Just heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high to high heat, add a little oil, and cook the patties for a few minutes per side until browned and cooked through. You’ll still get a nice crust and juicy center, and it’s a great option when you don’t feel like firing up the grill.

What temperature should lamb burgers be cooked to?

For food safety, ground lamb should be cooked to about 160°F internally. I like to pull the burgers off the heat just before they hit that number and let them rest for a few minutes so the temperature finishes rising and the juices redistribute. Using a quick-read thermometer helps you avoid overcooking and keeps the burgers juicy instead of dry.

Can I freeze lamb burgers?

Yes, lamb burgers freeze really well. You can freeze the raw patties or the cooked ones. For raw, shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. For cooked patties, let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the oven so they don’t dry out.

What herbs and spices go well with lamb?

Lamb loves bold, aromatic flavors. Rosemary, thyme, mint, oregano, and parsley all pair really well with ground lamb. Warm spices like cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and even a pinch of cinnamon or allspice can give the burgers a more Mediterranean or Middle Eastern vibe. The recipe uses a classic mix of garlic, rosemary, mint, and parsley, but you can definitely experiment and tweak the seasoning to match your taste.

What toppings go best on lamb burgers?

Lamb burgers pair especially well with fresh, bright toppings that balance the richness of the meat. The whipped feta and Greek yogurt spread is a favorite because it adds tangy creaminess in every bite. You can also add sliced tomatoes, red onion, crisp lettuce, cucumber, arugula, or even a spoonful of tzatziki or hummus. If you want a sweet-savory combo, try a little caramelized onion or a bit of mint jelly alongside the feta.

More Lamb Recipes To Try Next

• Lamb vindaloo
• Mediterranean lamb bowls
• Roasted lamb breast
• Sous vide lamb chops
• Pan seared lamb chops
• Lamb lollipops
• Lamb shoulder chops

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Yield: 4 Burgers

Lamb Burgers with Whipped Feta (Juicy Ground Lamb Burger Recipe)

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This thick and juicy lamb burger is meaty, rich, and ridiculously satisfying—exactly what you want in a ground lamb burger recipe. The lamb is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, mint, and parsley, then grilled (or pan-seared) until it’s browned on the outside and still tender and juicy in the middle. Each burger gets topped with a cool, tangy whipped feta spread made with Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs, so you get that Mediterranean flavor in every bite without any complicated steps. If you’ve made my Mediterranean Lamb Bowls, then you already know how good my ground lamb recipes are, and this lamb burger checks all the boxes: big flavor, super juicy, easy to make, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to summer cookouts.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 4 burger buns
• 1 Lb. ground lamb
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp. mint, chopped
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• salt and pepper

For The Sauce:

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• salt and pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Tomato slices
• Red onions
• Cucumber
• Lettuce

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to high heat, if cooking burgers on grill.
2. Gently knead lamb, garlic, parsley, mint, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
3. Form into four patties.
4. If cooking in a skillet, heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat and coat with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. Add burgers to grill, grill pan or skillet, and cook until browned on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking 5 more minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine the feta, yogurt, dried rosemary, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
6. Spread whipped feta over the buns. Top with burgers. Add optional toppings if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 550Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 127mgSodium: 653mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 38g