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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for extra flavor.
- 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
