Greek Bifteki Burgers with Herbs and Feta Cheese

The smell of bifteki cooking is a good reason to gather around the table. These Greek meat patties combine mince, onion and herbs, making a satisfying dinner with tzatziki, chips and a fresh Greek salad.

You can cook them in the oven, on the barbecue or in an air fryer. And if you like feta, tuck a little inside each patty for a warm, creamy centre.

What Are Bifteki?

Bifteki are Greek meat patties, usually shaped into rounds or ovals. They are generally larger and flatter than keftedes, the small meatballs often served as part of a sharing meal.

Recipes vary, but herbs, grated onion and a little olive oil give this version its flavour. Use pork mince, beef mince or a mixture of both.

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork or beef mince, or a mixture of both
• 1 large onion, coarsely grated
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• Approximately 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Feta cheese, cut into small pieces — optional

How to Make Bifteki

1. Prepare the mixture

Place the mince in a large bowl. Add the grated onion, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, oregano, mint, parsley, salt and pepper.

Mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined. Avoid working the mixture for longer than necessary, as this can make the patties dense.

2. Check the seasoning

Cook a small piece of the mixture in a frying pan and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed before shaping the remaining patties.

3. Shape the patties

With lightly dampened hands, divide the mixture into evenly sized portions. Shape into round or oval patties, keeping the thickness consistent so they cook evenly.

4. Add feta if you like

Flatten each portion slightly and place a small piece of feta in the middle. Fold the meat around it, seal the edges carefully and gently reshape the patty.

Keep the cheese fully enclosed to help prevent it from leaking out during cooking.

Three Ways to Cook Bifteki

In the Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C conventional / 160°C fan.

Place the patties on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.

Larger or thicker patties may need longer.

On the Barbecue

Preheat the barbecue to a medium heat and lightly oil the cooking surface.

Cook the patties on both sides until browned and cooked through. Avoid pressing them down with a spatula, which squeezes out their juices.

If the outside colours too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the barbecue to finish cooking.

In the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C, if required by your model.

Arrange the patties in a single layer with space between them. Cook for approximately 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.

Cook in batches rather than overcrowding the basket. The timing will depend on the size of the patties and your air fryer.

For every method, check that the centre is fully cooked before serving; cooking times are a guide.

What to Serve with Bifteki

Make a Greek-style dinner with a few simple sides:

• Tzatziki — a cool yoghurt, cucumber and garlic dip
• Greek salad — tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and feta
• Chips or roasted potatoes
• Warm pita bread
• Lemon wedges, for squeezing over the patties

You can also serve bifteki in a burger bun with lettuce, tomato and a spoonful of tzatziki.

Bifteki with Feta

The feta-filled version is worth trying if you enjoy a little extra richness.

As the patties cook, the cheese softens inside, adding a salty, creamy centre. You do not need much: a small piece in each patty is enough.

Use a slightly lighter hand with the salt in the meat mixture when adding feta.

Tips for Juicy Bifteki

Choose mince with some fat. Very lean meat can produce drier patties, particularly on the barbecue.

Keep the onion juices. Add the grated onion to the mixture without squeezing it completely dry.

Shape evenly. Similar thickness matters as much as similar size.

Handle gently. Mix and shape just enough to hold everything together.

Serve freshly cooked. Have your salad and sides ready so the bifteki can go straight to the table.

Καλή όρεξη – enjoy your meal!