Name: Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground lamb; 2 tablespoons bacon grease or butter; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup Panko bread crumbs; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced; 4 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried cumin; 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional); 1 batch Tzatziki Sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 2-4 tomatoes, sliced; 1-2 cucumbers, sliced; 8-10 pita rounds; Fresh dill, chopped (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about tender, flavorful street food that transports you straight to the heart of Greece, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat. This recipe brings together the juicy richness of perfectly seasoned ground beef and lamb, the bright tang of lemon and oregano, and that cooling, creamy tzatziki sauce—all nestled inside warm, soft pita bread. It’s the kind of dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, turning your kitchen into a Greek taverna in just a little while.

Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Collecting the right ingredients for this Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat is simpler than you might think. Each element—from the hearty meats to the fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs—plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make every bite unforgettable.

Ground beef and ground lamb: The ultimate duo for rich, juicy gyro meat with balanced flavor.
Bacon grease or butter: Adds a luscious fat that keeps the meat wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Large eggs: Help bind the meat mixture to keep it tender and perfectly shaped.
Milk: Softens the mixture and keeps the meat juicy after baking.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh zing that brightens all the savory flavors.
Panko bread crumbs: Lightly puff up the texture without weighing it down.
Onions and garlic: Classic aromatics that create the unmistakable gyro flavor base.
Kosher salt (yes, 4 teaspoons!): Essential for deep seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and marjoram: A fragrant Greek herb blend that transforms the meat into authentic gyro goodness.
Tzatziki sauce: The cool cucumber and yogurt dip that balances the meat’s richness.
Fresh vegetables (red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers): Crisp, colorful accents that add crunch and freshness.
Pita rounds: The perfect soft vessel to hold all those delicious fillings.
Fresh dill (optional): For an herbal, bright garnish that adds a final flourish.

How to Make Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Start by making the tzatziki sauce because it needs time to chill and develop its vibrant flavor. The cool yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill are what balance the warm, spiced meat later on, making the gyro experience truly authentic.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil coated with nonstick spray. This step ensures the meat cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, making cleanup easier too.

Step 3: Chop the Aromatics

Finely chop the onion and smash and mince the garlic. If you have a food processor, this will go quickly; if you don’t, no worries—a sharp knife will do the trick. These aromatics infuse the meat with bold, savory notes.

Step 4: Combine the Gyro Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef and lamb, butter or bacon grease, eggs, milk, lemon juice, Panko bread crumbs, onion, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and all herbs and spices. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly—a method that ensures everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat, which can make it tough.

Step 5: Shape the Patties

Divide the meat mixture into about 10 oval-shaped patties, spacing them on your prepared baking sheet so they don’t touch. Shaping them this way mimics the traditional gyro meat form and helps them cook uniformly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the patties at 350 degrees for roughly 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This baking method locks in juiciness while developing a nicely browned exterior that’s packed with flavor.

Step 7: Prepare Fresh Toppings and Bread

While the patties bake, slice your red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Warm the pita rounds either in the microwave for a few seconds or in the still-warm oven to make them soft and pliable for wrapping.

Step 8: Construct Your Gyro

Spread a generous layer of chilled tzatziki sauce onto each warm pita. Slice the gyro patties lengthwise to make them easier to eat and place them on the sauce. Top with crisp red onions, juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and a sprinkle of dill if you’re using it. Wrap it up and get ready for an incredible bite.

How to Serve Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like thinly sliced red onions, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers brings a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat. A sprinkle of fresh dill elevates this as an optional finishing touch, enhancing the herbal aroma and flavor.

Side Dishes

Traditional Greek gyros are legendary served with a side of crispy french fries tucked inside or alongside. You could also try easy three-ingredient roasted potatoes or a vibrant Greek salad loaded with Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. These sides not only complement the gyro but make the meal feel like a proper celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a gyro feast, consider serving the patties sliced on a large platter, alongside bowls of tzatziki, fresh veggies, and warm pita. This allow-your-own-gyro style adds an interactive, festive feel. Or wrap gyros individually in parchment paper for a grab-and-go picnic vibe. Both options are fun ways to enjoy this Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover gyro meat patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki separately to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the meat.

Freezing

Gyro patties freeze wonderfully if you want to make ahead and save some for busy nights. Individually wrap patties in plastic wrap then aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gyro meat in a warm oven (about 325 degrees Fahrenheit) until heated through, which keeps the texture tender rather than rubbery. You can also quickly warm pita bread wrapped in foil either in the oven or microwave. Assemble with fresh toppings and tzatziki for that just-made deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use just beef or just lamb for the gyro meat?

Absolutely. Using just beef or just lamb will still yield delicious results, but the traditional combo brings out a deeper, more complex flavor that’s worth trying at least once.

Is it possible to make the gyro meat without bacon grease or butter?

Yes, you can leave out bacon grease or butter, but adding a fat component helps keep the meat moist and adds richness that enhances the overall flavor.

How long does the tzatziki sauce need to marinate?

At least an hour in the fridge is best, but longer resting—up to overnight—allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop its signature creamy tang.

Can I grill the gyro patties instead of baking?

Yes, grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor and char that’s fantastic. Just be sure to watch them carefully so they don’t dry out or fall apart on the grill.

What if I don’t have marjoram? Is it essential?

Marjoram is optional and traditional to enhance the Greek herb profile, but the recipe is still delicious without it, thanks to the other seasonings.

Final Thoughts

Making Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat at home is an absolute joy that brings a slice of Greece to your dining table. Every step from seasoning the meat perfectly to layering in fresh veggies and cooling tzatziki creates a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to share again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your gyro cravings will never be the same. So, grab those ingredients and dive in—you’re in for a seriously delicious ride!