Smoked Lamb Burgers on a Traeger

Who doesn’t love that first bite of a juicy burger?

But have you made your burgers from scratch before? It is super simple to make this lamb burger recipe and they are mighty delicious!

Follow my 4 simple steps for these smoked lamb burgers below!

Why You’ll Love These Smoked Lamb Burgers! 

You thought burgers were delicious?

Wait until you smoke your burgers! It adds a whole new level of flavor!

Plus it’s super simple, just follow my four steps below! 

Why Burgers Are Better Made From Scratch

Buying store-bought patties is convenient and cheaper. But doing so can also affect the taste and fulfillment of your burger recipe.

Making burgers from scratch does the following:

– Freedom over the ingredients and seasoning.

– Option to make a healthier burger by reducing fat and additives.

– Creative control and freedom over the recipe.

– Easier to calculate cook time.

So whether it’s making thicker burgers or choosing the type of meat for amazing flavor…

Don’t be dismayed by a slightly longer prep time. Start smoking burgers from scratch today and I promise you won’t regret it!

Our Choice Of Meat Is Lamb – But Get Creative!

Building a burger is personal and there are plenty of ways to do it.

Choosing the type of meat is arguably one of the most important decisions.

We’ve chosen lamb today in our recipe card but don’t let this stop you!

If you don’t like the taste of lamb or want classic ground meat then go ahead.

Follow the recipe but use some lean ground beef or even turkey for a healthy option.

You will still lift off a tasty burger from your Traeger, whatever you decide to do!

What Temperature Do I Set The Traeger Smoker For Burgers?

Smoked burgers are best cooked with lower and indirect heat.

This temperature and smoking time allows the smoke flavor to infuse and form a crust. 

Smoke at a temperature of 250°F.

How Long Do You Need to Smoke Lamb Burgers?

At 250°F lamb burgers will take roughly 30-40 minutes.

If you using another type of meat then make sure you check based on this temp.

The required doneness is another factor that might affect the cooking time.

However, the only way to be sure is to accurately monitor the internal temp.

Allow for extra time and always use a meat thermometer.

What Internal Temperature Does The Lamb Burgers Need To Be?

The internal temperature before eating lamb is 150°F. 

Like the cooking time, if you decide to use another meat this may differ. 

So always check to avoid dry burgers and for food safety.

How To Accurately Monitor The Internal Temp

A calibrated and reliable meat thermometer is the best and safest method for monitoring. 

A Traeger Pellet Grill comes with probes that feed directly into the display.

Some of the fancier smokers in the Traeger range come with a Bluetooth or wireless connection.

This means you can accurately monitor the internal temp on your phone remotely!

Choosing The Right Wood Pellets For Burgers

I suggest using Traeger brand hickory pellets for this recipe. They are made of 100% natural hardwoods right here in the USA!

Wood-like hickory gives off a strong smoke to compliment your meat leaving you with an irresistible smoked flavor to die for!

What If I Don’t Have A Traeger Pellet Smoker?

A charcoal smoker or gas smoker will work fine, just be extra careful of the cooking temperature.

We aren’t traditionally cooking the burgers on direct heat in hot spots.

You want the tasty smoke to season and infuse as a part of the hamburger recipe.

What To Serve With Our Delicious Lamb Burger Recipe?

I like to serve a fresh and salty Greek salad with lamb burgers.

Don’t skimp on the olives or feta and make it fresh when the burgers are nearly there!

What You Need for Lamb Burgers 

• Lamb Mince (80% – 20% meat-to-fat ratio)
• Hamburger Buns of your choice (we love brioche)
• 1 raw onion (finely diced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried parsley

My Favorite Burger Toppings

• 1 slice of American Cheese (or your favorite – goat or feta pairs well with lamb)
• 1 slice of a large beef tomato 
• 1 layer of fresh iceberg lettuce 

Mint Vinaigrette Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup of washed fresh mint leaves 
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard 
• Pinch kosher salt 
• Pinch brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)

Equipment Required 

• Traeger Electric Smoker
• Traeger hickory pellets or wood chips
• Digital thermometer
• Spatchula
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Fruit squeezer
• Food processor

Traeger Smoked Lamb Burgers With Mint Vinaigrette 

Making The Burger Patties 

– Finely dice the onions with a sharp knife.

– Put the ground lamb mince into a large mixing bowl.

– Add the onions and spices.

– Mix until evenly incorporated with your hands.

– Divide into desired portions.

– Cover and refrigerate until required.

Making The Mint Vinaigrette 

– Combine the ingredients in a food processor.

– Pulse to your desired consistency. 

Mint goes hand in hand with lamb and gives a bit of acidity to cut through the fat. This fresh vinaigrette can also be used to jazz up salads.

Store covered and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Loading With Your Favorite Burger Toppings 

The big question is what to use for toppings in your delicious burger.

My favorite toppings are the humble tomato and iceberg lettuce. The tomato adds to the juicy factor while the lettuce gives you a little crunch.

This is another part of building your burger to get creative with.

In Australia, they love beetroot and pineapple which is pretty crazy if you ask me!

Step 1: Make The Vinaigrette 

– Make as per the above instructions.

– Store until required.

Step 2: Make The Burgers

– Make the burger patties as per the instructions above.

– Store until the Traeger smoker has come to temperature.

Step 3: Smoking The Burger Patties and Adding a Glaze

– Load the pellets, prime, set the grill temperature to 250°F, and wait until up to temp.

– Place the burgers directly on the grill grates at the top of the smoking chamber.

– I have applied a glaze if you want to do that; In a bowl mix BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then use a brush to glaze the burgers

– Insert the temperature probes.

– Close the Traeger’s lid and cook until they reach an internal temp of 140°F.

– Place a cheese slice on the top of each burger.

– Cut and place your burger buns directly on the grill grates.

– Cook with the grill lid open until they reach an internal temp of 150°F.

– Warm the buns and be careful not to burn but you want char marks.

– Remove the burgers and buns when ready.

Step 4: Build Your Burgers

– Cut the tomato and lettuce.

– Soak in a tbsp of the vinaigrette on each cut side of your bun. 

– Build the burger how you want to….No judgment here.

What to Serve With Your Lamb Burgers

Even the most delicious burgers need sides! Here are some of my favorites

Smoky Sweet Potato Chips

Pig Shots

Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese

Looking For More Lamb Recipes?

Love lamb? Me too! Here are some of my favorite lamb recipes.

Smoked Leg of Lamb

Smoked Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Chops

Lamb Koftas

Smoked Lamb Shanks

Smoke On!

Charlie

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