Homemade Greek Gyros
Enjoy the authentic taste of street-style Greek gyros right in your kitchen with this flavorful, spice-rubbed beef and lamb recipe.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- •1/2 lb (225g) ground lamb
- •1/2 yellow onion, finely grated
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tbsp dried oregano
- •1 tsp ground cumin
- •1 tsp ground coriander
- •1 tsp smoked paprika
- •1 tsp kosher salt
- •1/2 tsp black pepper
- •4 large pita breads
- •1 cup shredded lettuce
- •1 large tomato, diced
- •1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- •1/2 cup tahini sauce (for a pareve dairy-free alternative to tzatziki)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until the mixture becomes slightly tacky.
- 3
Transfer the meat mixture to a food processor and pulse for 1-2 minutes until it forms a very smooth, paste-like consistency.
- 4
Shape the meat mixture into a tight, log-like loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 5
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- 6
Remove from the oven and let the loaf rest for 10 minutes. Once rested, slice the meat as thinly as possible.
- 7
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the thin slices of meat for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and browned.
- 8
Warm the pita breads, fill them with the crispy meat, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best texture, ensure the meat is processed until it is almost like a paste; this prevents the gyro from crumbling.
- If you want to make this ahead, you can bake the loaf, let it cool completely, and slice it before storing it in the fridge; just sear the slices right before serving.
- If you cannot find lamb, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ground beef, though the lamb adds a traditional depth of flavor.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished gyros should feature crispy, spice-crusted meat slices nestled in soft pita, smelling of toasted oregano and cumin with a savory, juicy finish.