Keto Feta Burgers Tomato Sauce

This hearty keto feta burger with tomato cream sauce has become my go-to recipe when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The richness of the feta blends perfectly with the beef, while the creamy tomato sauce elevates these burgers beyond the ordinary.

I first created these burgers when hosting a dinner party where half the guests were following keto diets. Everyone raved about them so much that they've become a regular request whenever friends come over.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the juiciest burgers with optimal flavor
• Feta cheese: The tangy saltiness adds incredible depth opt for a block you crumble yourself rather than pre-crumbled
• Egg: Acts as a binder that helps keep your patties from falling apart
• Fresh chopped basil: Adds a bright aromatic quality that makes these burgers special
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides a pungent kick that powdered versions simply cannot match
• Beef stock: This helps deglaze the pan and forms the foundation of your sauce
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luxurious texture in the sauce look for one without additives
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that adds complexity use freshly dried herbs when possible
• Chopped green onions: Provides mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce while keeping carbs low
• Salt and pepper: Always essential for proper seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the patty mixture:

Combine the ground beef, egg, feta cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic plus salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make your burgers tough.

Form the patties:

Divide the mixture into 14 equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Cook the patties:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding giving them at least an inch of space between each other. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. You will likely need to cook these in multiple batches.

Rest the patties:

Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate tented with foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Prepare the skillet:

Carefully drain most of the grease from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor. Lower the heat to medium.

Deglaze the pan:

Add the beef stock to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. These caramelized bits contain incredible flavor that will enhance your sauce.

Create the cream sauce:

While the pan is still hot, whisk in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, chopped green onions, and tomato paste. Stir continuously until everything is well incorporated and the sauce begins to take on a beautiful pink color.

Season and reduce:

Add salt and pepper to taste, then allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it has reduced and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. The sauce should be rich and velvety.

Combine patties and sauce:

Return the patties to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the patties and allow them to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Garnish and serve:

Transfer the patties to serving plates, generously spooning the sauce over each one. Sprinkle with additional freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

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The fresh basil in this recipe is truly what makes these burgers special in my opinion. I grow my own during summer months just so I can make these burgers with the freshest possible herbs. My husband who typically prefers traditional burgers now requests these instead whenever we have people over.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

These keto feta burgers are excellent candidates for meal prep. You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just place parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking.

Perfect Pairings

While these burgers are delicious on their own, they pair beautifully with several keto-friendly sides. Consider serving them alongside roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad with a high-fat dressing.

Customization Options

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your personal tastes and what you have on hand. Here are some variations I've tried with great success:

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This recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes for keto-friendly entertaining or family dinners!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute feta with other cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. For a milder option, try mozzarella or cheddar, though these won't provide the same tangy flavor that makes feta special in this dish.

→ How do I know when the burgers are cooked properly?

For food safety, beef patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Visually, the patties should be browned on the outside with no pink showing in the center when cut.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. The finished dish can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

→ What can I serve with these keto feta burgers?

These burgers pair wonderfully with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple mixed green salad. For a complete keto meal, add avocado slices for healthy fats.

→ How can I thicken the tomato cream sauce if it's too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, continue simmering it until it reduces to your desired consistency. For a quicker method, you can add a small amount of xanthan gum (¼ teaspoon) and whisk well. Avoid cornstarch or flour as these add carbs and aren't keto-friendly.

→ Can I freeze these burgers with the sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked burgers with the sauce for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream if the sauce has separated.