Ingredients
500g ground beef (or mix of beef and pork, 80/20 fat ratio recommended)
1 small onion, finely grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 slice stale bread, soaked in 2 tbsp milk and squeezed dry
1 egg
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried mint
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for cooking
Optional: 100g feta cheese, cut into small cubes (for stuffing)
Instructions
Prepare the mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, garlic, soaked bread, egg, parsley, oregano, mint, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined—avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.Shape the patties
Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions. Flatten each portion and, if using feta, place a cube of cheese in the center. Fold and shape into thick oval patties, ensuring the cheese is well sealed inside.Chill
Place the patties on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps them hold shape during cooking.Cook the bifteki
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Serve
Plate hot with tzatziki, lemon wedges, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
For extra juiciness, use meat with a bit of fat—avoid ultra-lean cuts.
Feta stuffing is optional but adds an authentic and creamy twist.
You can prepare and freeze uncooked patties ahead for quick weeknight dinners.
Add chili flakes if you want a spicy version.
Serve with pita bread, hummus, or grilled vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling / Baking / Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (based on 5 servings)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg