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Homemade Gyros

Authentic Greek gyros with perfectly seasoned lamb and beef, fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Gyros Meat
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 medium onion finely grated
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Tzatziki Sauce
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt full-fat
  • 1 medium cucumber grated and squeezed dry
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
  • 6-8 pita bread rounds
  • 2 large tomatoes sliced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • lemon wedges for serving
  • crumbled feta cheese optional

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grater
  • Sharp knife
  • Large skillet
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a loaf pan or baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
  3. Press the meat mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan, eliminating any air pockets. Smooth the top and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake for 60-75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be firm and browned on top.
  5. While the meat cooks, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Combine cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate.
  6. Remove the cooked gyros meat from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
  7. Once cooled slightly, slice the gyros meat as thinly as possible. Heat a large skillet over high heat and quickly sear the sliced meat until crispy and browned at the edges.
  8. Warm the pita bread according to your preferred method.
  9. To assemble, spread tzatziki sauce on warmed pita. Layer sliced gyros meat, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Add feta if desired, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the filling.
  10. Fold the pita around the filling, tucking in the bottom edge. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For best results, allow tzatziki to rest 30 minutes before serving. Meat can be frozen before or after cooking. Thin slicing and final searing create authentic texture and flavor.