Beef Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Additional Time
50 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
7 servings
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Calories
293 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Beef Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Description
Beef Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe features a seasoned ground beef mixture that incorporates fresh red onion, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs such as marjoram, rosemary, and oregano. The beef is processed into a paste then baked gently in a water bath to retain moisture and achieve a tender texture. After cooking, the gyro meat is pressed to compact it, which creates a sliceable loaf suitable for assembling into pita sandwiches.
The resulting gyro meat has a balanced herbaceous flavor profile enhanced by black pepper and salt, while the cooking method helps keep the meat moist rather than dry. This method produces uniform slices that hold well within pita bread along with lettuce, tomato, and onion slices, creating a satisfying sandwich that showcases the seasoned meat.
This recipe lends itself well to making a larger batch of gyro meat that can be stored for several days in the refrigerator or frozen for longer use. Serving suggestions include pairing the gyro slices with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Pressing the meat before slicing ensures neat, manageable pieces for sandwiches or wraps.
Storing the cooked gyro meat wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the fridge will keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days. The meat can also be frozen for 2 to 3 months. When reheating, thaw thoroughly then warm slices gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture without drying out.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Gyro Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef lower the fat content the better
- ½ red onion chopped, large
- 2 tablespoon garlic minced, cloves
- 2 tsp marjoram
- 2 teaspoons rosemary
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp salt kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
Sandwich
- 7 pita bread
- 7 lettuce leaves
- 7 tomato slices
- 4 onion slices
Instructions
- Place red onion in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
- Remove the onion from the food processor and place it in a tea towel, squeezing it to remove all the juices.
- Return the onion to the food processor with the remaining ingredients and pulse for approximately 1 minute until you get a paste-like consistency. TIP: The gyro beef mixture will form together in the food processor, similar to a ball of dough.
- Place the mixture in a glass baking dish. Flatten and smooth the meat into a nice meatloaf.
- Place in a water bath and cook at 325°F (163°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until you have an internal temperature of 165°F-170°F (74°C-77°C).
- Once removed from the oven, drain the fat.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and place on a wire rack (I also put a pan under the rack to catch any drippings) and place a heavy object on top to compress the gyro meat. I used a cast iron skillet with 3 cans inside the skillet for additional weight.
- Remove the weight and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Slice the meat into desired-sized slices.
- Place meat slices on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until crispy!
- Serve in pita bread with lettuce, sliced onion, sliced tomato, and this Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Wrap cooked gyro meat tightly in plastic wrap or foil to refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the meat wrapped well to preserve flavor for 2 to 3 months.
- Reheat thawed gyro slices gently in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 7servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 293 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 293kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 1017mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 449mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2030IU | 41% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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