Easy Ground Beef Gyros With Tzatziki Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines all my favorite Mediterranean flavors into one delicious package, making me feel like I’m dining al fresco on a Greek island. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, and the vibrant mix of herbs and spices always leaves me feeling both satisfied and smugly gourmet.

I enjoy making simple and tasty recipes, and these Ground Beef Gyros with Tzatziki are the best of the bunch. They’re made with seasoned ground beef infused with cumin, oregano, and paprika; enveloped in a soft pita; and topped with homemade tzatziki, which is cool and lemony.

That’s not all! In addition to the tzatziki, we also layer in some diced tomato and crumbled feta, giving these gyros the same flavor profile as the kind you’d get at a Greek diner.

I’m pretty sure you’ll love them!

Ingredients

Ground Beef:
Contains a high protein content; supplies iron and the essential vitamins.

Olive Oil:
Abundant in beneficial monounsaturated fats, it promotes cardiovascular well-being.

Garlic:
Enhances taste; includes components with therapeutic attributes.

Ground Cumin:
Contributes down-to-earth warmth; may assist with digestion.

Dried Oregano:
Herb with a pleasant smell; contains antioxidants to support the immune system.

Paprika:
Imparts smoky sweetness and color.

Packed with vitamins A and E.

Tzatziki Sauce:
Yogurt sauce with cucumber and dill; cool, creamy, and low-calorie.

Feta Cheese:
Zesty taste; excellent source of calcium and protein.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big frying pan, heat the olive oil on medium. Add the onion, and sauté it until it’s nice and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Minced garlic added and cooked for another minute, fragrant.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until there are no more pink parts, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4. When the beef is brown, drain skillet of excess fat.

5. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper, stirring them into the mixture. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes until all the spices are well blended and considered incorporated.

6. Heat the pita bread or flatbread as the package directs, or by wrapping the bread in foil and placing it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.

7. To put together the gyro, take each warm pita occluded with tzatziki and a pint of chicken, and fold it in half to contain the contents.

8. Place the prepared ground beef mixture on top.

9. Include a layer of diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced red onion.

10. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley that has been chopped very finely. Then, serve the pitas immediately, filled and folded to enclose the filling.

Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Small bowl (for spices)
7. Oven or toaster oven
8. Aluminum foil (if using oven method for bread)
9. Serving plates

FAQ

• Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional flavor, or even use a mix of ground beef and lamb if you prefer.
• What is tzatziki sauce, and can I make it at home?You can make tzatziki at home, and all you need are these ingredients: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
• What other toppings can I add to the gyros?Sliced cucumbers, kalamata olives, and even bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and crunch.
• How do I store leftover gyros?Keep the toppings, bread, and meat in their own airtight containers in the refrigerator—they’ll last up to 3 days. Reheat the meat right before you put it on the sandwiches.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?Certainly, you may replace the ground beef with either roasted chickpeas or a ground meat alternative that is plant-based.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute ground lamb or ground turkey for the ground beef when you want a different protein option.
Avocado oil or canola oil can take the place of olive oil.
You can replace minced garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
You can substitute dried oregano with dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
Naan or tortillas can be used instead of pita bread to make an alternative wrap.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Deglazing After browning the ground beef and draining the fat, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine or beef broth. This will help lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and add depth to the overall taste of the beef mixture.

2. Optimal Onion Handling To minimize tears while dicing the onion, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting. This can help reduce the release of the tear-inducing compounds.

3. Custom Spice Blend Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can give the mixture a bit of heat if desired.

4. Tzatziki Enhancement For a more flavorful tzatziki sauce, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of dill. Letting the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving can enhance its flavors.

5. Perfect Pita Presentation Before assembling the gyros, lightly brush the pitas with olive oil and grill them briefly on each side for an extra touch of flavor and a lightly crisped texture. This can elevate the overall presentation and taste of your dish.