If you’re tired of the same old beef burgers, it’s time to elevate your grilling game with Grilled Lamb Burgers. Juicy, rich, and deeply flavorful, lamb offers a savory twist that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even a special weekend meal.
This recipe is a great starting point for anyone curious about cooking with lamb. It’s also ideal for those looking for recipes with ground lamb meat that are simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re new to lamb or already a fan, this dish might just become your go-to recipe for ground lamb.
Table of Contents
Why Grilled Lamb Burgers Are a Must-Try
Lamb is often overlooked in favor of more common meats, but it deserves a spot on your dinner table. These grilled lamb burgers boast a rich, slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean spices, fresh herbs, and a variety of toppings.
Unlike beef, lamb brings a unique depth that makes burgers taste gourmet with minimal effort. It’s a perfect centerpiece for ground lamb dinner recipes and stands up well to bold sauces, creamy cheeses, and crisp vegetables. Plus, it’s just as easy to prepare on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or stovetop skillet.
Ingredients You Need for Grilled Lamb Burgers
This burger recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that highlight the natural flavor of lamb while offering flexibility for your personal taste.
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional for Mediterranean flair)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 hamburger buns (gluten-free or whole grain, if preferred)
- Optional toppings: tzatziki, arugula, red onion slices, feta cheese, tomato, pickles
Want to try a fusion approach? Add a touch of cumin, paprika, or harissa for a spiced North African flavor. This makes the recipe ideal for those exploring ground lamb and pork recipes or experimenting with global flavors.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Grilled Lamb Patties
To make these lamb patties recipes effortlessly, be sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or cast-iron skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush (if adding sauces)
- Plate and foil (for resting the burgers)
A meat thermometer is especially helpful if you’re unsure about doneness. For lamb, a medium doneness is ideal—around 145°F (63°C).
How to Make Grilled Lamb Burgers Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty—this helps them cook evenly and stay flat on the grill.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Burgers
Place the lamb patties on the grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping only once, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium. For stovetop cooking, use a cast-iron skillet and follow the same timing.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the patties rest for 5 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Then place them on buns and top with your favorites: creamy tzatziki, feta, arugula, tomato, or red onion.
These burgers pair well with roasted vegetables, cucumber dill salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a balanced meal.
What to Serve with Lamb Burgers
Wondering what to serve with lamb burgers? Here are a few flavorful ideas:
- Sweet potato fries or air-fried wedges
- Roasted vegetable quinoa bowl
- Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled asparagus or zucchini
- Crispy smashed potato salad
For a Mediterranean twist, serve with hummus, pita chips, or a chickpea salad. These sides enhance the earthy flavor of lamb without overpowering it.
Tips for Juicy and Tender Lamb Patties
- Don’t overmix the meat: Mix gently to avoid a dense texture.
- Avoid pressing burgers while cooking: Pressing squeezes out juices, making burgers dry.
- Let them rest: A 5-minute rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute.
- Add moisture: If your lamb is extra lean, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a spoonful of plain yogurt to the mix.
These tips help keep your patties moist and packed with flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze raw patties between parchment paper or in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave on low with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.
Leftover patties can also be crumbled into a wrap, added to a grain bowl, or transformed into a breakfast hash.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Looking to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to adjust the recipe:
- Add ground pork: For extra juiciness, mix in 25% ground pork for a hybrid version.
- Go dairy-free: Skip cheese or use dairy-free feta.
- Use different buns: Try pita pockets or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.
- Change the spice blend: Use curry powder, za’atar, or chipotle for international flair.
This flexibility makes it great if you’re exploring both ground lamb dinner and ground lamb and pork recipes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Lamb Burgers
- Overcooking: Lamb becomes dry if cooked past medium. Use a thermometer.
- Skipping seasoning: Lamb’s bold flavor shines with the right balance of salt, herbs, and spices.
- Using cold meat: Let patties sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
- Flipping too often: Flip only once to retain juices.
Follow these tips for delicious, foolproof burgers every time.
FAQs About Grilled Lamb Burgers
Is lamb healthier than beef?
Lamb is rich in nutrients like iron and B vitamins and contains less saturated fat than some cuts of beef, making it great for lamb recipes healthy.
What’s the best doneness for lamb burgers?
Medium (145°F) is ideal for juicy yet safe-to-eat burgers.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Yes! A cast-iron skillet or grill pan works just as well as an outdoor grill.
Can I use pre-seasoned ground lamb?
You can, but adjust seasoning to avoid over-salting.
Healthy Lamb Recipes You’ll Also Love
Once you’ve mastered grilled lamb burgers, consider adding more lamb recipes healthy to your meal rotation. Try lean ground lamb in:
- Mediterranean rice bowls with tzatziki
- Baked lamb meatballs with herbs
- Lettuce-wrapped lamb tacos
- Lamb-stuffed bell peppers
You can even sub lamb into recipes like turkey orzo skillet for a flavorful twist.
What to Make with Ground Lamb Beyond Burgers
Still wondering what to make with ground lamb? It’s incredibly versatile. Here are more ways to use it:
- Spiced lamb and quinoa bowls
- Ground lamb stir-fry
- Shepherd’s pie with mashed sweet potato
- Lamb and veggie soup
- Middle Eastern kofta skewers
Ground lamb shines in global cuisines, from Mediterranean to Indian to North African.
Ground Lamb Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family
Looking for family-friendly ground lamb dinner recipes? Try:
- Lamb meatloaf with mashed cauliflower
- One-pan lamb and vegetable bake
- Lamb chili with beans and tomatoes
- Ground lamb pasta with tomato basil sauce
- Greek-style lamb stuffed zucchini boats
Lamb’s robust flavor adds depth to classic dinners, making it a favorite for those who want something a little different.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
These grilled lamb burgers are the perfect way to shake up your usual meal routine. Juicy, easy to make, and full of flavor, they’re a great introduction to cooking with ground lamb. Whether you serve them at a backyard cookout or a simple weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends or family. Leave a comment below to tell us how you customized your burgers, and be sure to subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more creative and healthy recipes using everyday ingredients.
PrintJuicy and Flavorful Grilled Lamb Burgers for Your Next BBQ
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Description
Juicy and flavorful, these Grilled Lamb Burgers are the perfect summer BBQ main. Infused with garlic, herbs, and warm spices, these burgers are tender, bold, and customizable. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a Mediterranean twist or classic burger style.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing grill or skillet)
- Optional Toppings:
- Sliced cucumber or red onion
- Tomato slices
- Leafy lettuce or arugula
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Tzatziki sauce or hummus
- Toasted brioche or whole wheat buns
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground lamb with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, parsley, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide into four patties, about ¾-inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each patty.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush grates with olive oil.
- Grill burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 160°F. Do not press burgers while cooking.
- Let burgers rest for 3–5 minutes before assembling with toppings and buns.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary and parsley for best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meat—keep the texture loose for juicy patties.
- Form patties ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.
- Serve in lettuce wraps or pita bread for a low-carb or Mediterranean-style twist.
- Freeze raw patties between parchment sheets up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Grilled Lamb Burgers, Ground Lamb Dinner Recipes, Lamb Patties Recipes, Mediterranean Burger Recipe, Summer BBQ Ideas