Authentic Greek Gyros Recipe
If you’re searching for an easy Greek gyros recipe, this is your one-stop guide! With a perfect blend of ground beef and lamb, this authentic gyros recipe captures the flavors of traditional Greek street food. You don’t need a rotisserie to achieve the juicy, tender, and flavorful meat that makes gyros irresistible. In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step instructions, tips, and two time-saving methods to make gyros at home with minimal effort.
What Are Greek Gyros?
Gyros (pronounced “Yirros” or “Yerros”) is a popular Greek dish made with seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Thin slices of marinated meat—traditionally pork or chicken in Greece but often lamb and beef in other countries—are cooked to perfection and served on pita bread with Tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and sometimes fries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: A balanced spice blend gives you a true taste of Greece.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- Versatile: Use this recipe for gyros sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls.
- Multiple Cooking Methods: Choose between a time-saving meatloaf method or a classic rotisserie-style preparation.
Ingredients for the Best Gyros Meat
- Ground Beef and Lamb: The combination ensures tender, juicy gyros.
- Onion (Purple or Yellow): Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Garlic: Essential for that bold taste.
- Spices: Black pepper, oregano, cumin, marjoram, and paprika.
- Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness.
- Salt: Adjust to taste, but ½ teaspoon is a great starting point.
- Large Egg: Binds the meat mixture for a uniform texture.
How to Make Greek Gyros Meat
Time-Saving Meatloaf Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the onion, squeeze out excess water, and mix with ground meat, spices, garlic, and egg.
- Form Mini Meatloaves: Shape into 5 small, flat meatloaves and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Cook for 25–30 minutes. Let rest under aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving.
Classic Meatloaf Method
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×5” loaf pan with foil.
- Process the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine onion, garlic, and spices until smooth. Add the meat and blend into a paste.
- Bake in a Water Bath: Pour the mixture into the loaf pan. Place the pan in a larger dish filled with boiling water and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about an hour.
- Press the Meatloaf: After baking, cover with foil and weigh it down with a cast iron skillet for 20 minutes to enhance texture. Slice and fry in butter or oil if desired.
Authentic Restaurant-Style Gyros (Rotisserie Method)
- Marinate Thin Slices: Use thinly sliced lamb or beef, marinate in lemon juice, salt, and spices for 30 minutes.
- Skewer and Roast: Stack the slices on a rotisserie spit and cook until golden. Slice as you go and serve.
How to Serve Greek Gyros
Traditional gyros are served on warm pita bread with Tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. Add fries for a classic touch, or customize with your favorite toppings like hummus, lettuce, or even avocado slices.
Pro Tip: Wrap your gyros in foil or wax paper to keep the sandwich intact and prevent sauce drips.
Storing and Reheating Gyros
Storing Raw Meat
- If the meat hasn’t been frozen before, you can prepare the mixture, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 5 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Storing Cooked Gyros
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
- Freeze cooked meat for up to 3 months. Slice and fry before serving for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Gyros Meat
- Squeeze the Onions: Removing excess liquid ensures a uniform texture.
- Use a Combination of Meats: Beef adds structure, while lamb keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
- Preheat the Oven: Consistent temperature is crucial for even cooking.
- Fry or Broil for Crisp Edges: For an authentic texture, fry sliced gyros meat in butter or oil after baking.
Best Toppings for Gyros
Elevate your gyros with these toppings:
- Traditional: Tzatziki sauce, cucumber, tomato, and onion.
- Modern Twists: Avocado slices, hummus, lettuce, or olives.
- Creative Additions: Ketchup, mayo, or burger-style toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Lamb adds tenderness, while beef offers structure and flavor. Either meat works, but the combination is ideal.
Not at all. The meatloaf method delivers amazing results without specialized equipment.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then slice and fry in butter or oil for the best texture and flavor.
Why you should make this Greek Gyros Recipe
This Greek gyros recipe is perfect for creating the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen. Whether you choose the time-saving meatloaf method or the classic rotisserie style, you’ll enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful gyros every time. Serve with warm pita, fresh veggies, and Tzatziki for a dish that’s sure to impress!
Related Recipes
⭐ PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried this Greek gyros recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!
Greek Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 250 g ground lamb
- 250 g ground beef
- 1 large onion minced and water squeezed out
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional
- ½ teaspoon marjoram optional
- 1 tablespoon room temperature butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C-350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and keep it aside.
- Make sure to mince the onion and squeeze the water out of it.
- Beat the egg until combine.
- In a bowl, add the meat and the rest of the ingredients.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined. It’s best to use your hands for this step.
- Wet your hand with water, and form 5 equal size oval shape patties.
- Place the patties on the previously prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160F/70C or 165F/75C.
- Remove the Gyros from the oven, cover with aluminum foil for 5 minutes.
- To serve the Gyros:
- Heat the pita bread. (Recipe link for my homemade pita in the post above).
- Cut the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion into thin slices.
- On the pita bread, add the tzatziki sauce (Recipe link for this sauce in the post above).
- Add the sliced vegetables on top.
- Slice the gyros and place them on top of the vegetables.
- Roll up the pita bread to make a sandwich and enjoy with some roasted potatoes. (Recipe link for roasted potatoes in the post).
Video
Notes
- You can use one type of meat in this recipe.
- Do not skip the step of squeezing water out of the minced onion.
- Always preheat the oven for at least 20 minutes before using it.
- You can fry the gyros before serving.
I love the idea of using ground meat to make gyros…my husband always enjoys gyros, no wrap, just tender, juicy flavourful sliced meat (chicken or lamb) with lots of tzatziki.
It’s a light meal and some use lettuce to wrap them instead of pita bread!