Ground Beef Gyros Recipe

Introduction

Ground Beef Gyros offer a flavorful and satisfying twist on the classic Greek street food. With spiced ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 pieces pita bread
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• To taste lettuce leaves, for serving
• To taste feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated and drained cucumber, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the beef is well coated with spices. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: While the beef cooks, warm the pita bread by lightly toasting it in a dry skillet or wrapping in foil and heating in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Assemble the gyros by placing a generous amount of the spiced ground beef in the center of each warm pita. Top with sliced red onions, diced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
7. Step 7: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
8. Step 8: Roll the pita around the fillings and serve immediately, offering extra tzatziki sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• If you prefer a spicier gyro, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Use fresh herbs like mint or parsley in the tzatziki sauce for a brighter flavor.
• Warm the pita bread briefly before assembling to make it more pliable and easier to roll.

Storage

Store any leftover spiced ground beef and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. The pita bread is best served fresh but can be wrapped and warmed briefly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the tzatziki sauce at least 15 minutes ahead helps the flavors develop. It can also be made up to 1 day in advance and kept refrigerated.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

You can lightly toast pita in a dry skillet for a few minutes on each side or wrap them in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Both methods soften the bread and enhance its flavor.

Ground Beef Gyros Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious and hearty recipe for Ground Beef Gyros featuring spiced ground beef, fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 4 pieces pita bread
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• Lettuce leaves, to taste
• Feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated cucumber, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is well coated with spices. Remove from heat.
4. Warm the Pita Bread: While the beef is cooking, lightly toast the pita bread in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Gyros: Place a generous amount of the spiced ground beef in the center of each warm pita. Top with sliced red onions, diced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for extra flavor.
7. Serve: Roll the pita around the fillings and serve immediately, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side.

Notes

• For a spicier gyro, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
• You can substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef if desired.
• Leftover gyro meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps instead.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: ground beef gyros, gyro recipe, Mediterranean beef wrap, homemade gyros, tzatziki sauce, pita bread gyros