I've been making biftekia - traditional Greek burgers - for as long as I can remember. This homemade Greek burger recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want something simple, flavourful, and satisfying. Using ground meat, fresh herbs, and a few pantry spices, dinner or lunch can be served in no time.
Table of Contents
Recipe Snapshot
Here's why you'll love making these traditional Greek burgers at home:
- You get to enjoy juicy, flavourful biftekia made just like in Greek kitchens.
- Cook them your way - grilled, pan-fried, air-fried or baked in under 30 minutes.
- Follow my tips and variations for tender results and endless serving ideas.
Share or summarise with AI
Ingredients
- Ground beef: I prefer to use lean ground beef. Avoid fatty cuts of ground in this recipe, as the olive oil and eggs will add necessary fat back into the recipe.
- Tomato: This is my not-so-secret ingredient! The grated tomato adds moisture, preventing the meat patties from drying out.
- Onion: One grated onion adds flavour and moisture. Don't skip it if you can!
- Garlic: For flavour. Obviously! Just don't overdo it - too much garlic can be overpowering and not pleasant.
- Breadcrumbs: I'm opting to use Panko breadcrumbs; however, regular breadcrumbs from the supermarket work well too.
- Egg: Acts as a binder. You can opt out of using it entirely; however, the burger patties will be dry and "crumbly".
- Olive Oil: Greek recipes use olive oil in everything!
Spices
- I like to keep my biftekia recipe simple by using a combination of dried Greek oregano, salt, and pepper.
Substitutions and Variations
- For the ground beef sub with ground pork, lamb, or a combination of meats. (I've personally never tried biftekia made with ground chicken or turkey).
- No fresh garlic or onions? You can use one tablespoon of onion and/or garlic powder as a good substitute.
- Spices. Experiment by adding smoked paprika, cumin and dried thyme.
How to make biftekia
For the full recipe, including all the cooking methods, please see the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well using your hands
Step 2: Shape the biftekia using a ¼ cup as a guide.
Step 3: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and fry on each side until done. Serve with ladolemono.
Storing
Fresh: Make the biftekia according to the recipe (don't cook them) and then place them flat inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months before thawing and cooking as desired.
Leftovers: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Heat the following day using a medium-low oven or microwave for a few minutes for a quick result.
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
Expert Tips
- Avoid over-mixing the ingredients as this will make the patties dry. Mix until just combined.
- Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the meat mixture - this will ensure even-sized biftekia.
- Use wet hands to shape the Greek burgers - it will make the task a lot easier.
What do you serve with biftekia?
They pair perfectly with any of the following dishes:
FAQ
Yes! While grilling or pan-frying is traditional, biftekia can also be baked in the oven for a healthier and hands-off option.
Adding grated onion, soaked bread, or breadcrumbs helps lock in moisture. Don't overmix the meat and avoid overcooking for the best texture.
More Greek recipes using ground beef
WANT MORE? Sign up to the Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
📖 Recipe
Biftekia (Greek Burgers)
Video
Conversions
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef, preferably on the leaner side (see note 1)
- 1 tomato, grated, medium to large
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or grated (see note 2)
- 80 grams breadcrumbs, Panko, regular store bought is fine too
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoon dried oregano, (see note 3)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the onion and tomato in a large bowl1 tomato grated, medium to large, 1 onion grated
- Add the ground beef500 grams ground beef preferably on the leaner side (see note 1)
- Add the breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, garlic, olive oil and seasonings and mix well using your hands1 garlic clove finely chopped or grated (see note 2), 80 grams breadcrumbs Panko, regular store bought is fine too, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1½ tablespoon dried oregano (see note 3), 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- Using a ¼ cup measuring cup as a guide scoop out portions of the bifteki mixture
- Shape into oval shapes and flatten slightly and place onto a plate
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour (see note 4)
- Remove the biftekia from the fridge at least ½ an hour before cooking
- Barbecue, grill, fry or air fry according to the methods listed below
BBQ or Grill (using a Weber)
- Lightly dust with a little flour and brush each of the biftekia with a little olive oil
- Place on a preheated bbq grill and cover - keeping the heat to medium-low
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes
Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan) (350℉)
- Place them on an oven safe tray and drizzle or spray with a little olive oil
- Cook for 10 minutes - flip them and cook for another 10-12 minutes
Pan Fry
- Heat 2-3 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet on a medium-high heat
- Cook the biftekia for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through
Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 200 deg C (400 deg F)
- Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil and cook the burgers for eight minutes and flip them over and cook for another 5-7 minutes
⬇ SAVE THIS RECIPE
Enter your email and we'll send the recipe directly to you!
Peter's Tips →
- Can sub with lamb or pork or use a combination of pork/beef or lamb/beef.
- Sub with one tablespoon of garlic powder. If using fresh garlic don't overdo it I find too much overpowers the dish.
- Can add other herbs and spices for e.g. dried thyme or rosemary. Cumin is also widely used in biftekia - like I did in the video (add one teaspoon and adjust). Smoked paprika is a lovely addition as well.
- If you're in a hurry you can skip this step - however, I find it allows the flavours to develop a lot more.
- Avoid over-mixing the ingredients as this will make the patties dry. Mix until just combined.
- Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the meat mixture - this will ensure even-sized biftekia.
- Use wet hands to shape the Greek burgers - it will make this part easier.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Souvlaki For the Soul
Made this recipe?
Rate and Comment below!This post was originally published in November 2011 and was updated with new content in August 2025.
Peter G says
I hope you guys like my recipe for biftekia or Greek burgers!
Jean says
tried it out. amazing flavour. easy to make. very healthy.
Peter G says
Thank you for your kind feedback and words.