Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce – Greek Recipes for Dinner
Let me tell you, there’s something downright magical about the smell of beef sizzling with classic Greek spices wafting through the kitchen. This recipe brings all that loveliness right to your dinner table! I’ve tweaked this dish over time to nail that perfect balance of juicy, tender beef wrapped in warm pita, topped with cool, refreshing tzatziki. It’s like a little Greek vacation for your taste buds, minus the airfare. Plus, I’ve got you covered on how to keep the beef juicy and achieve that authentic tangy sauce that makes every bite a winner. Trust me, once you try this, those takeout runs for gyros will be a thing of the past.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works great)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced (optional, for topping)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by mixing your ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. This blend of spices is what gives the beef that irresistible gyro flavor, so don’t skip any! Use your hands to combine evenly but don’t overwork the meat or it can turn tough.
Step 2:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Form the beef mixture into small patties or loose crumbles—whichever you prefer—and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If crumbling, cook and stir until no longer pink.
Step 3:
While the beef is cooking, whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and olive oil. The key trick here is squeezing out as much water as possible from the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce. Chill it until you’re ready to serve.
Step 4:
Warm your pita breads — either on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds each side or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Soft, warm pita will wrap beautifully around your beef.
Step 5:
Assemble your gyros by layering the juicy beef inside the pita, adding shredded lettuce and tomato slices if you like, then a generous dollop of that creamy tzatziki on top.
Step 6:
Wrap it all up and get ready for that first bite—the blend of warm spices, cool sauce, and fresh veggies is simply unbeatable.
Variations & Tips
- Swap ground beef for ground lamb or a mix of both for a richer flavor.
- If fresh dill isn’t available, a pinch of dried dill still works well.
- For an extra smoky touch, add a dash of chipotle powder to the beef mixture.
- Make tzatziki a day ahead to deepen the flavors—just keep it covered in the fridge.
- Don’t press down on the meat patties while cooking to keep them nice and juicy.
- Try serving with pickled red onions or feta cheese for extra zing.
How I Like to Serve It
This beef gyro is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. I love pairing it with a Greek salad and some crunchy kettle-cooked chips for texture contrast. In warmer months, these gyros also shine tossed with a side of grilled veggies or a light couscous salad.
Notes
- Store leftover beef and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat beef gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying it out.
Closing: No matter the occasion, this beef gyro with tzatziki always feels like a little celebration in every bite—easy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.