FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Lamb Burger Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Lamb Burgers
• How Long To Cook Lamb Burgers?
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage & Meal Prep
• Serving Ideas
• More Easy Lamb Recipes
• My Tools For This Recipe
• Lamb Burger Recipe Recipe card
• Gratitude Moment
• Recipe Reviews

I love a classic burger patty , but you know I’m constantly trying something new. So, say hello to my juicy lamb burgers! You might recognize the Mediterranean flavors here from my lamb kofta . I made a few ingredient tweaks, formed a different shape, adjusted the cooking method, and boom — it’s my new lamb burger recipe . If you’re bored with the usual burger patties, make these with me for something different!

Why You Need My Lamb Burger Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful – While I keep beef burgers relatively simple, lamb really benefits from a good dose of fresh herbs and garlic. And I’ve got a simple secret ingredient to keep your lamb burgers extra juicy!
• Simple ingredients – Pick up some ground lamb, and the rest you probably already have in your pantry. Oh, and they take less than 20 minutes!
• 2 ways to make them – You can enjoy these lamb patties year round. I throw them on the grill when the weather is nice, but also have an option for you to make them indoors.
• Best way to try lamb – Unlike other cuts that can taste gamey if not cooked properly (like lamb chops or leg of lamb ), ground lamb burgers are much easier and don’t have a strong gamey flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my lamb burger recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Ground Lamb – I usually find it at the grocery store, otherwise your local butcher will have it. If you have extra, use it to make my homemade gyro meat !
• Olive Oil – My secret ingredient to make the lamb burgers extra juicy! You’ll need it for the pan if cooking indoors, but that’s no secret, is it? The secret part is that I mix it into the ground lamb itself, just like I do for beef. Avocado oil works as well.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh dill, fresh mint, and fresh parsley together are the ultimate Mediterranean combo. If you’re missing one of these, you can replace it with more of the others. If you want to use dried herbs, use a teaspoon of each instead of a tablespoon of each.
• Garlic – You know me, 1 clove is never enough, but 2 were enough this time. If you’re in a hurry, a teaspoon of the jarred stuff works.
• Dijon Mustard – This is optional, and makes the flavor more complex, so you decide. My husband liked the addition, my kids preferred this lamb burger recipe without it, and I liked both ways. But all of us agreed that a teaspoon is the max — the burgers smelled off and tasted bitter when I added more.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – My rule of thumb is a teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper per pound of meat. The burgers are not spicy this way, so if you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Flavor Variations:

For an extra flavor boost, mix in some crumbled feta cheese, chopped roasted red peppers , or spices, like cumin and paprika.

How To Make Lamb Burgers

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Mix the seasonings. In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the ground lamb. Work through the meat using your hands until just combined (see my tips below).

1. Shape the lamb patties. Then, make a thumb print in the center of each patty.
2. Grill or pan fry. Preheat your grill, or a cast iron skillet or grill pan on the stove, over medium-high heat. Place the lamb burgers on the grates or in the pan, and cook to your liking, flipping halfway through. (See my time and temp chart below!) Let them rest before serving, so they stay juicy.

How Long To Cook Lamb Burgers?

The USDA recommends 160 degrees F for ground lamb (well done). I prefer medium doneness (140 degrees F) for my lamb burger recipe, so I cook them for about 6-8 minutes total.

Use my chart below make your burgers just the way you like them! I highly recommend a meat thermometer ( I use this one and insert after flipping).

Note: Internal temperatures for ground lamb are about 5 degrees lower than ground beef, for the same doneness, but I find the time is about the same. The temp above are when you’d pull from heat, but it’ll go 3-5 degrees higher while resting.

My Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat. It pushes the juices out and leads to a tough lamb burger. For this reason, I always mix the seasonings first and add the meat last.
• Form the patties lightly, with colder hands if you can. I wash my hands with cold water before shaping to keep the meat from warming up.
• 1/2 inch is the ideal thickness. These are fairly small 1/4-pound lamb burgers, but you can make them larger by forming 3 instead of 4. Just make sure they’re still 1/2 inch thick.
• Don’t forget the thumbprint. This prevents the burgers from bulging out as they cook and helps them cook more evenly. I place them on the grill or in the pan flat side down first, because they get a better sear that way.
• You need higher heat, but adjust as needed. I always preheat and cook at medium-high, but because lamb is more tender than beef, sometimes you have to turn it down if they darken too quickly.
• Avoid pressing or moving them around. Let them sear undisturbed except to flip, so they get that perfect crust. And definitely avoid pressing with a spatula, or you’ll push out all the yummy juices!

Storage & Meal Prep

• Store: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap, pop in an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Meal prep: Feel free to shape your lamb patties the day before you cook them, and keep in the fridge.
• Reheat: I’ve found the air fryer to be the best method for reheating my lamb burger recipe without drying it out. A skillet with oil, your oven (at 350 degrees F), or even your grill over indirect heat will also do the trick.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze, I recommend doing it before cooking. Just wrap the patties individually in plastic wrap, pop in a zip lock bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. If they’re already cooked, they are best within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Serving Ideas

You can serve these lamb burgers with many of the same sides as regular burgers, but the toppings that work best are different. Here are some ideas for both to complete your healthy dinner :

• Buns & Fixings – Sometimes I go for a lettuce wrap, other times gluten-free buns. Pick your fave. For fixings, I highly recommend slices of tomato and red onion, arugula, and my homemade tzatziki sauce , as pictured above.
• Fries – Whip up my Greek lemon potatoes with these lamb burgers to keep the Mediterranean theme going, steak fries for a classic option, or zucchini fries for something lighter.
• Veggies – You’ve already got the grill on, so might as well make grilled broccoli , grilled eggplant , or even cauliflower steaks . For those indoor cooking days, try my easy roasted cauliflower or sauteed broccoli .
• Salad – I think lamb burger recipes just scream for crisp, fresh veggies on the side, so this is my favorite side of all. I served mine with Greek salad (in the background above), but my cucumber tomato salad or creamy cucumber salad also pair perfectly.

More Easy Lamb Recipes

If you like my lamb burger recipe and are ready to branch out to other cuts, try one of my other easy lamb recipes:

Braised Lamb Shanks

Lamb Shoulder Chops

Grilled Lamb Chops

Lamb Kofta Kebab

My Tools For This Recipe

• Cast Iron – I love grilling up these juicy lamb burgers, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate, my trusty cast iron skillet works great. If you want those classic grill marks, this cast iron grill pan is perfect for that.
• Probe Thermometer – This was a game-changer when I got it years ago. It beeps when meat reaches the right temperature!

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 tbsp Olive oil (plus 1 tbsp more for frying if cooking on the stove) ▢
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh mint (chopped) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 lb Ground lamb ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a large bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the Dijon mustard (if using), dill, mint, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the ground lamb and mix gently with your hands, just until combined. Do not overmix.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a thumb print in the center of each patty to keep the burgers from bulging out when cooking.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill, or a cast iron skillet on the stovetop with 1 tablespoon of additional oil, over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook 4-5 minutes , until browned on the bottom and the only juices visible are no longer red. Do not push down on the burgers or move them around.
5. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes for medium, or until done to your liking. (For best results, use a meat thermometer . See my time and temp chart in the post above!)
6. Remove the lamb burgers from heat. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 lamb burger

Nutrition info does not include the optional Dijon mustard.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Lamb Burger Recipe

Gratitude Moment

This has literally nothing to do with lamb burgers, but I just got this new gym bag and water bottle that are making me so happy. The bag doesn’t even look like a gym bag, but it’s got wet/dry pockets, a strap for my yoga mat, and it’s just so cute. And the stainless steel bottle matches (okay, sort of)!

After moving, I’m trying to get away from having a house “full of stuff”, but I’m focusing on fewer things that spark happiness instead. And if they get me excited about going to the gym? Worth it.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Lamb Burger Recipe

You’ll love my lamb burger recipe with fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon, and a secret ingredient to make it extra juicy. Choose stovetop or grill!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/lamb-burgers/

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive oil (plus 1 tbsp more for frying if cooking on the stove)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Fresh mint (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 lb Ground lamb

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the Dijon mustard (if using), dill, mint, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the ground lamb and mix gently with your hands, just until combined. Do not overmix.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a thumb print in the center of each patty to keep the burgers from bulging out when cooking.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill, or a cast iron skillet on the stovetop with 1 tablespoon of additional oil, over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook 4-5 minutes , until browned on the bottom and the only juices visible are no longer red. Do not push down on the burgers or move them around.
5. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes for medium, or until done to your liking. (For best results, use a meat thermometer . See my time and temp chart in the post above!)
6. Remove the lamb burgers from heat. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 lamb burger

Nutrition info does not include the optional Dijon mustard.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)