Name: Greek Bifteki (Burger) with Feta cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 500 g minced beef or a combination of beef/lamb/pork ((18 ounces)); 1 small ripe tomato (grated); 1 red onion (grated); 1 clove garlic (minced); 2/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tbsp parsley (chopped); 1 tsp oregano; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1-2 tsp salt; 1 tsp freshly ground pepper; 1 tomato (sliced for topping); 100 g feta cheese (for topping (3-4 ounces))

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This authentic Greek Bifteki recipe brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen in just 45 minutes.

These juicy, feta-stuffed beef patties offer a delightful twist on regular burgers, packing 36g of protein per serving.

Perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining, these baked Greek burgers combine aromatic herbs with creamy feta cheese for an irresistible meal.

At only 362 calories per serving, they’re a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients for Greek Bifteki

Meat: 500g minced beef (or mixed beef/lamb/pork) – room temperature for better mixing
Fresh Produce: 1 grated ripe tomato, 1 grated red onion, 1 minced garlic clove
Binding Elements: 2/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg
Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp oregano, 1-2 tsp salt, 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
Liquids: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Toppings: 1 sliced tomato, 100g feta cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Ingredients: Combine minced meat with all ingredients in a large bowl. Knead thoroughly for 10 minutes until well-mixed
Rest & Preheat: Refrigerate mixture for 10 minutes while heating oven to 200°C
Shape: Form mixture into flat, round burger patties
Initial Bake: Place biftekia on baking tray and cook for 18 minutes, flipping halfway
Add Toppings: Top each bifteki with tomato slice and feta cheese
Final Bake: Continue baking for 7 more minutes until cheese softens
Serve: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano while hot

Cooking Techniques

While kneading the meat mixture, use gentle but firm pressure to mix everything well – this helps create the perfect texture.

The 10-minute mixing time might seem long, but it’s what makes these biftekia special!

For the juiciest results, don’t press down on the patties while they’re cooking, and keep an eye on them when you add the feta – it should get soft and slightly melty, but not completely liquid.

Variations and Substitutions

This Greek favorite is super flexible! Try mixing ground lamb with the beef for an extra rich flavor, or use pork for a lighter version.

No fresh herbs? Dried parsley works too – just use 2 teaspoons instead of 2 tablespoons.

If you’re not a fan of feta, try halloumi or even mozzarella. The breadcrumbs can be swapped with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

These tasty biftekia are amazing served with a fresh Greek salad or wrapped in warm pita bread.

Add some tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping, and a handful of crispy Greek-style roasted potatoes.

For a lighter meal, serve them over a bed of fresh lettuce with lemon wedges. Don’t forget extra feta crumbles for sprinkling!

Storage Tips

You can make the meat mixture a day ahead – just keep it covered in the fridge. Once cooked, these biftekia stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. They freeze well too! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.