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Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe

Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe

5.2 from 12 reviews

This Greek Gyro recipe features homemade gyro meat made from a flavorful blend of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices. Served with fresh vegetables, warm pita, and homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe brings the authentic taste of traditional Greek street food right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Gyro Meat

  • 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)

Toppings and Serving

  • 1 batch Tzatziki Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 24 tomatoes, sliced
  • 12 cucumbers, sliced
  • 810 pita rounds
  • Fresh dill, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Prepare tzatziki sauce first so it can marinate in the refrigerator while you work on other components.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray with nonstick spray.
  3. Chop Aromatics: Finely chop the medium onion and garlic using a food processor or knife.
  4. Combine Meat Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground beef, ground lamb, bacon grease or butter, eggs, milk, lemon juice, Panko bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and marjoram (if using).
  5. Mix Thoroughly: Using clean hands or disposable gloves, mix all the ingredients evenly. This ensures the meat is tender without being overworked.
  6. Shape Patties: Form the meat mixture into about 10 oval-shaped patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
  7. Bake the Meat: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). Remove from oven and keep warm.
  8. Prepare Toppings: While the meat cooks, thinly slice the red onion, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Warm the pita bread in the microwave or oven. Chop fresh dill if desired.
  9. Assemble Gyros: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on a warm pita. Slice a gyro patty in half lengthwise and place on top. Add red onion, tomato slices, cucumber slices, and garnish with fresh dill.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your gyros immediately. They pair perfectly with traditional French fries, roasted potatoes, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • The 4 teaspoons of kosher salt may seem like a lot but it enhances the flavor and helps bind the meat.
  • If you don’t have bacon grease, butter works well as a substitute and adds richness to the meat.
  • Marjoram is optional but adds an authentic herbal note.
  • Use disposable gloves to mix the meat for easy cleanup and better hygiene.
  • Ensure the meat patties do not touch on the baking sheet to allow even cooking.
  • Tzatziki sauce should be made ahead for at least an hour to develop flavor.
  • Warming the pita bread makes it soft and pliable for wrapping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek Gyro, Homemade Gyro Meat, Tzatziki Sauce, Greek Street Food, Lamb and Beef Gyro, Mediterranean Recipe