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Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers)

Juicy Greek-style beef patties seasoned with garlic, oregano, and onion, stuffed with a pocket of feta cheese and grilled until charred and melty. Serve with pita and tzatziki for a complete meal.

39 minMediumServes 4420 cal/serving

GreekDinnerGrillHigh ProteinLow CarbNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 yellow onion, grated
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Greek oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef (80/20), 1/2 grated yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried Greek oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

  2. 2

    Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin oval patty. Place a portion of 4 oz crumbled feta cheese in the center of half the patties. Top each with a second patty and pinch the edges firmly to seal, shaping into oval burgers about 1 inch thick.

  3. 3

    Brush both sides of each bifteki with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.

  4. 4

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F / 220°C). Grill the bifteki for 6 to 7 minutes per side, without moving them, until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and clear grill marks appear.

  5. 5

    Transfer to a plate and rest for 3 minutes. Serve with warm pita, tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and red onion.

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Questions

What is Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers)?

Juicy Greek-style beef patties seasoned with garlic, oregano, and onion, stuffed with a pocket of feta cheese and grilled until charred and melty. Serve with pita and tzatziki for a complete meal. This reference files it under Greek dinner: cooked on the grill, rated medium and about 39 minutes start to finish.

What temperature do I cook Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers) at?

For Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers), the oven is set to 425 F (about 220 C) in step 4. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What should Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers) look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and clear grill marks appear. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Why does Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers) say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Mix gently with your hands until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

Is there a substitute for feta in Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers)?

The entry for Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers) calls for 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled. In its place: Crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata is milder but behaves the same. For dairy-free, crumble firm tofu and marinate it in lemon juice and salt.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers)?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers) uses 2 lbs ground beef (80/20).

How much protein is in Bifteki (Stuffed Greek Burgers)?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 60 g of protein in about 420 calories, alongside 0 g carbohydrate and 20 g fat, plus 97 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein dinner collection.

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