Greek-Style Beef Patties with Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Olive oil, for cooking Olive oil, for cooking
• For the tzatziki sauce: For the tzatziki sauce:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 7g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, mint, parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into round patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Brush the patties with olive oil on both sides.
4. 4.
   Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   While the patties are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Serve the Biftekia hot off the grill or pan, accompanied by the tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer a juicier patty, opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content.
• Fresh mint — Make sure to finely chop the mint leaves to release their aromatic oils and enhance the flavor of the Biftekia.
• Greek yogurt — Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture and tangier taste compared to regular yogurt. If Greek yogurt is not available, you can strain regular yogurt to achieve a thicker consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the beef mixture before shaping the patties.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the beef mixture.
• To prevent the patties from sticking to the grill or pan, make sure it is well-oiled before cooking.
• Serve the Biftekia with warm pita bread and a side of Greek salad for a complete Greek meal experience.
• Leftover Biftekia can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. They can also be frozen for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Biftekia hot off the grill or pan, accompanied by a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Biftekia on a platter, allowing their golden-brown crust to be showcased. Place a small bowl of tzatziki sauce in the center and garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and dill. Serve with warm pita bread and a side of Greek salad for a visually appealing presentation.