Loaded Greek Burgers

Ingredients and Weight:

• Ground beef (80/20): 2 pounds
• Feta cheese, crumbled: 1 cup
• Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: 1/2 cup
• Red onion, finely diced: 1/2 cup
• Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup
• Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
• Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup
• Salt and black pepper: to taste
• Hamburger buns: 8
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, olives, tzatziki sauce

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes per side

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, feta cheese, olives, red onion, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into 8 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
4. Grill or pan-fry the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
5. Toast the hamburger buns.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on a toasted bun and topping with lettuce, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and tzatziki sauce.

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving with 1/2 pound patty)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Flavorful and juicy
• Combination of Greek flavors with American classic
• Perfect for summer grilling or casual gatherings

User Comments:

• "These burgers were so delicious and juicy. The Greek flavors were spot on!"
• "The patties were perfectly seasoned and the toppings were fresh and flavorful."
• "I loved the combination of feta cheese and olives on the burgers."
• "These burgers are a great way to bring a taste of Greece to my American guests."
• "The preparation was so easy and the cooking time was short. A definite keeper for my recipe book."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
• Don't overmix the ground beef mixture, as this can make the burgers tough.
• If you don't have a skillet or grill, you can bake the burgers in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• To make the burgers ahead of time, simply form the patties and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling or pan-frying.