Go Back

Gyros

Gyros are a delightful Mediterranean dish featuring ground beef and lamb, seasoned and roasted to create a succulent filling, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Mixture
  • 1 lb 80% lean ground beef Provides richness to the dish.
  • 1 lb ground lamb Adds depth of flavor.
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs Gives texture to the gyros.
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For warmth.
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano Elevates flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds aromatic notes.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin Adds subtle earthiness.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil To keep the mixture moist.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces soft pita bread For wrapping the gyros.
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce Creamy sauce for topping.
  • 1 cup crisp lettuce For freshness.
  • 1 cup juicy sliced tomatoes For added flavor.
  • 1 cup vibrant red onions Adds crunch and flavor.
  • ½ cup feta cheese For authentic Mediterranean flair.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and position an oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  2. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, plain breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Process until well combined and paste-like.
  3. With moist hands, form the meat mixture into two free-form loaves, each measuring about 1 inch high, 8 inches long, and 4 inches wide.
Cooking
  1. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until firm in the center and reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  2. Let the loaves sit for about 10 minutes, allowing for easier slicing.
  3. Transfer the loaves to a cutting board and slice between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch thick.
  4. Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the gyro slices in a single layer until lightly browned, approximately 30 to 60 seconds per side.
Assembly
  1. Lay warm pita bread flat and add the sliced gyro meat on top.
  2. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the meat and add thinly sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, and feta cheese.
  3. Wrap the pita bread around the fillings and enjoy your gyros!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or mint in your tzatziki sauce. You can also marinate the meat mixture overnight for deeper flavor. Experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne for added heat.