Description
These Spinach and Feta Burgers with Garlic Aioli are a delicious blend of bold feta cheese, fresh spinach, and juicy ground beef. Enhanced by a creamy, flavorful garlic aioli, these burgers offer a perfect balance of richness and freshness for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1 lb 90/10 ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 6 whole grain buns or sweet potato buns
- Optional toppings: sliced tomato, crumbled feta, baby spinach leaves
For the aioli:
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups olive oil
- 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Either preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat or set an outdoor grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking the burger patties.
- Prepare Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, beaten egg, minced garlic, crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and sea salt until well combined to form the burger mixture.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into six evenly sized patties to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties on the preheated grill or skillet and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center, flipping as necessary to cook evenly.
- Make Garlic Aioli: In a blender or food processor, puree the minced garlic with the egg. With the machine running, slowly pour the olive oil in a thin, steady stream to emulsify the mixture. Add fresh lemon juice to adjust the consistency. Once fully emulsified, add sea salt and black pepper and blend for an additional 10 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Optional Easy Aioli: For a simpler version, combine 1 clove minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper with 2 tablespoons of full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast buns if desired. Place cooked patties on buns and add optional toppings such as sliced tomato, additional crumbled feta, or baby spinach leaves. Spread garlic aioli on buns for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potato buns for a gluten-friendly option.
- The garlic aioli can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor in the aioli.
- For a creamier aioli, use full-fat Greek yogurt as a shortcut alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
