Description
These Ground Beef Gyros are a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner made with seasoned beef, warm pita, fresh veggies, and creamy homemade tzatziki. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy gyro recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavor without complicated steps—perfect for busy families who want something fresh, filling, and fun.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or mint (optional)
For Serving:
- 4–6 pita breads (Greek-style or pocketless)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Kalamata olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber:
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. - Make the Tzatziki:
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Add dill or mint if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart. Stir in onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook 8–10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. - Warm the Pita:
Warm pita in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. - Assemble the Gyros:
Fill each pita with lettuce, seasoned beef, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta. Drizzle generously with tzatziki and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze the cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
- Grating the onion helps keep the beef tender and juicy.
- The beef mixture can be made up to 4 days ahead and reheated.
- Tzatziki tastes even better after chilling for several hours.
- Turn leftovers into a gyro bowl with rice or lettuce for an easy lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg