Smash burgers are already a beautiful thing. But what happens when you ditch the bun and press that juicy ground beef right into a warm pita bread? You get crispy edges, juicy flavor, and a bold Mediterranean twist with these Greek Style Smash Burger Pitas!
What make Greek Style Smash Burger Pitas?
This isn't your average burger. These Greek-style smash burgers hit the hot pan and get cooked directly onto the pita, locking in flavor and creating a crispy, golden crust.
Then, we pile on a chilled Greek salad tossed with creamy tzatziki, feta cheese, crisp romaine, tangy red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and a punch of fresh lemon juice.
It's the kind of recipe that feels special, but only takes 30 minutes. Great for an easy lunch, casual dinner, or any time you're craving something tasty and fresh.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these loaded pitas, here's what you need on hand:
- Ground beef (80/20 is best)
- Pita breads
- Seasonings (I use my All Day and All Night blends)
- Tzatziki
- Romaine lettuce
- Feta cheese
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- Roma tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh herbs (Dill and Parsley)
How to Make Greek Style Smash Burger Pitas
Start by preheating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it hot - like "hear-it-sizzle" hot.
No need to oil the pan if your beef has enough fat. If not add a little olive oil first.
Take your pita bread and lay it flat. Press a loose ball of ground beef directly onto the center of the pita. Use the back of a spatula or a burger press to flatten it out evenly, spreading it to the edge of the pita.
When seasoning I like to use a blend of my All Day and All Night seasoning. If you don't have those you can use Salt, black Pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and cumin.
Carefully place the pita meat-side down onto the skillet. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes, pressing lightly to keep that good crust forming.
Flip it over to warm the pita side for another 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a plate. Repeat for the rest.
Build the Greek Salad Topping
While your burgers rest for a few minutes, toss together the Greek salad.
In a mixing bowl, add tzatziki, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice, then season lightly with black pepper. Give it all a good whisk to combine.
Then add chopped romaine, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, dill, parsley and feta cheese. Fold that all in until everything is well incorporated.
Assemble the Pita Burger
To each smash burger pita add on a generous amount of the Greek salad mix and a few slices of tomatoes on the side.
The cool, creamy yogurt mixed with the crunchy veggies and briny feta makes every bite feel like a trip to the Mediterranean. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice and dive right in.
Serve it open-faced or fold it like a taco. Either way, these pita burgers are loaded with flavor, texture, and attitude.
Pro Tip for Leftovers
If you're meal-prepping or feeding a smaller crowd, store the beef patties and salad separately in an airtight container.
Just reheat the pita burger in a pan, top with salad, and hit it with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
Final Thoughts
These Greek-style smash burgers flip the script on what a burger can be. Crisped on the outside, juicy in the center, loaded with bright, tangy toppings-this is the kind of food that gets requested again and again.
Once you press the pita, you'll never go back to buns. Try it once and you'll see why this deserves a top spot on your list of best things to cook!
Looking for more creative burger recipes?
Oklahoma style onion smash burgers
Onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger
Print
Greek Style Smash Burger Pitas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 4 pita breads
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of each salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin (Or use 1 teaspoon each of All Day and All Night Seasoning)
- ½ cup tzatziki (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for pan)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus more for finishing
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (dill + parsley)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Add olive oil if using leaner beef.
- Form the smash patties by placing a loose ball of ground beef onto the center of each pita bread. Use a spatula or burger press to smash it out evenly across the surface. Continue to spread it to the edges using your fingers.
- Season the beef directly on the pita with the seasonings listed.
- Cook the pita meat-side down in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes, pressing occasionally for a crispy crust. Flip and warm the pita side for another 1-2 minutes. Remove and repeat with the rest.
- Make the Greek salad topping by whisking tzatziki, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. Fold in chopped romaine, red onion, pepperoncinis, feta, dill, and parsley until fully mixed.
- Assemble the pita burgers by topping the beef side with a generous spoonful of the Greek salad mix and tomato slices. Finish with another squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately - either open-faced or folded like a taco. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or your new go-to weeknight favorite.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
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