Homemade Gyros with Tzatziki, Fresh Vegetables, and Crispy Lamb and Beef Recipe
Introduction
Gyros are a delicious Greek-inspired dish featuring seasoned meat cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread. Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki, this recipe brings authentic flavors to your home kitchen with ease.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small onion
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or substitute paprika and a dash of cayenne)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 pieces pita bread, warmed
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 campari or roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 romaine heart, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the gyro meat by finely chopping the onion and garlic in a food processor. In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion and garlic with the ground lamb, ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, ground cumin, and Aleppo pepper. Use clean hands to mix and mash everything together thoroughly until well combined and dense.
- Step 2: Press the meat mixture firmly into a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F (74°C). Let the meat rest for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight if possible, to make slicing easier.
- Step 3: Remove the meat from the pan, reserving the drippings, and slice the loaf into thin strips about 1/8 inch thick.
- Step 4: Heat a skillet, griddle, or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add some reserved meat drippings or a little oil to coat the pan lightly. Once hot, place the meat strips flat in the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until browned and slightly crisp. Alternatively, broil the meat strips on a lined baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble the gyros by placing the cooked meat in warm pita bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, thin onion slices, chopped romaine, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese if desired. Add hot sauce for extra heat if you like.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder spice, reduce or omit the Aleppo pepper and add a little smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely grate the onion and mince the garlic by hand.
- Serve with pickled vegetables or fresh cucumber slices for extra crunch and tang.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita to suit dietary preferences.
- Leftover meat slices make a great addition to salads or wraps for next-day meals.
Storage
Store leftover gyro meat tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. Pita bread and toppings should be stored separately to maintain freshness. Gyro meat can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use all lamb or all beef depending on your preference. Mixing lamb and beef gives a richer flavor and better texture, but the recipe works well with just one type.
What is the best way to serve gyros?
Gyros are best served warm, inside soft pita bread with fresh toppings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Add feta cheese and hot sauce to customize your flavor.
Print
Homemade Gyros with Tzatziki, Fresh Vegetables, and Crispy Lamb and Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus optional refrigeration time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A classic Greek-inspired gyro recipe featuring seasoned ground lamb and beef baked into a flavorful meatloaf, sliced and quickly browned for a deliciously crispy texture. Served in warm pita bread with fresh tomatoes, onions, romaine lettuce, creamy tzatziki, and optional feta cheese for an authentic homemade gyro experience.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small onion
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or substitute paprika with a dash of cayenne)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Assembly and Serving
- 8 pieces pita bread, warmed
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 campari or roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 romaine heart, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Make Gyro Meat: Add the onion and garlic to a food processor and finely chop. Transfer to a large bowl and add ground lamb, ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, ground cumin, and Aleppo pepper. Use clean hands or gloves to thoroughly mix and mash the meat so it becomes dense and holds together well.
- Bake: Press the meat mixture firmly into a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until an internal thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes. For easier slicing, refrigerate the meat loaf for a few hours or overnight if possible.
- Slice Meat: Remove the loaf meat from the pan carefully, reserving the fat drippings. Slice the cooked meat into thin strips about 1/8 inch thick for optimal texture and heat distribution during browning.
- Brown Meat: Heat a griddle, cast iron or skillet over medium-high heat. Add reserved meat drippings or a small amount of oil to lightly coat the pan. Once hot, place the meat slices flat in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and slightly crisp. Alternatively, you may broil the slices on a lined baking sheet for a few minutes to achieve similar browning.
- Assemble Gyros: Warm pita bread and fill each with browned gyro meat. Top with sliced tomatoes, thin red onion slices, chopped romaine lettuce, dollops of tzatziki sauce, and sprinkle with feta cheese if using. Add hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best texture and ease of slicing, bake the meat loaf a day before serving and refrigerate overnight.
- If you do not have Aleppo pepper, use a combination of paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper as a substitute.
- Tzatziki can be homemade with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill, or you can use store-bought for convenience.
- Reheating browned meat slices quickly in a hot pan ensures crispiness without overcooking.
- Feel free to add hot sauce to taste for a spicier gyro.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Gyros, Greek gyro recipe, lamb beef gyro, homemade gyro meat, tzatziki, pita sandwich, Mediterranean street food
