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Juicy Ground Beef Gyros Recipe Easy Homemade Gyros for Dinner

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This juicy ground beef gyros recipe features spiced, tender ground beef wrapped in warm pita with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki, delivering a flavorful and easy-to-make Greek-inspired meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 to 6 pieces pita bread
  • ½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • Optional: lettuce or cucumber slices

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute seasonings without overworking the meat.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  3. Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned with some crispy edges and juicy texture. Increase heat if excess liquid appears to evaporate moisture.
  4. While the meat cooks, warm pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
  5. Slice tomatoes and thinly slice red onion. Prepare optional lettuce or cucumber slices. Have tzatziki sauce ready.
  6. Assemble gyros by placing warm pita on a plate, spooning a generous amount of cooked beef onto the center, adding sliced tomatoes, onions, and optional veggies, then topping with a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Fold or roll the pita to hold everything together.
  7. Serve immediately while meat is warm and pita is soft.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Brown the meat well for flavor and texture. Warm pita bread properly to avoid stiffness. For a smoky flavor, finish meat under broiler for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Cook meat mixture ahead and reheat gently with a splash of water to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef gyros, homemade gyros, Greek recipe, easy dinner, pita gyros, Mediterranean spices, tzatziki, quick meal