Easy Ground Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Introduction
These easy ground beef gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce are a flavorful and quick way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors at home. Packed with savory spices and fresh toppings, they make a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 pitas
- Optional toppings: lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, fresh dill, feta cheese
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup grated cucumber (preferably English cucumber)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for tzatziki)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, then add 1/2 cup of water. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens around the meat, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: While the beef is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Squeeze the excess liquid from the grated cucumber and discard it. In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 3: To assemble the gyros, warm the pitas if desired. Layer each pita with lettuce, sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and the seasoned ground beef. Spoon generous amounts of the tzatziki sauce over the top, then garnish with fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Warm the pitas on a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in the oven for a softer texture.
- Add a splash of red wine vinegar to the ground beef mixture for extra tang.
- Use store-bought tzatziki sauce for a quicker assembly.
Storage
Store leftover cooked beef and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave. The tzatziki is best served cold and should not be heated, as it may separate.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pitas with gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.
How can I prevent the cucumber from making the tzatziki watery?
Be sure to grate the cucumber and then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible before mixing with the yogurt. This helps keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.
PrintEasy Ground Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
This Easy Ground Beef Gyros recipe brings the flavors of traditional Greek street food to your kitchen with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal filled with Mediterranean goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Gyro Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup grated cucumber (preferably English cucumber)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 pita breads
- Optional toppings: lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, fresh dill, and feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a skillet set over medium-high heat and cook until the meat is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently to break the meat apart. Once browned, add the dried oregano, ground thyme, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup water. Reduce to medium heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meat, approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the beef cooks, begin making the tzatziki sauce by squeezing out the excess liquid from the grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and discard the liquid. In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently until well combined.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads slightly if desired. To assemble each gyro, layer a pita with desired amounts of lettuce, sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a generous helping of the cooked ground beef. Top with a spoonful of the tzatziki sauce, extra fresh dill, and crumbled feta cheese. Fold or roll the pita to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb or a mix of lamb and beef to achieve a more traditional gyro flavor.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Serving with warm pita bread makes the gyro more authentic and enjoyable.
- Adjust the seasoning in the meat mixture according to your taste preferences.
- Optional toppings like fresh dill and feta add extra flavor and texture.
- Leftover gyros can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but assemble fresh for best texture.
Keywords: ground beef gyros, homemade gyros, Greek gyros recipe, easy gyro recipe, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean cuisine
