Pot Roast Gyros

Pot Roast Gyros are a hearty, flavorful fusion of tender, slow-cooked beef and classic Mediterranean ingredients, all wrapped up in soft, warm pita bread. This creative twist on the traditional Greek gyro swaps lamb or chicken for juicy pot roast, offering a comforting and savory experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game day feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pot Roast Gyros are the best of both worlds: rich, slow-cooked beef paired with the fresh, tangy toppings you expect in a gyro. The tender meat absorbs the spices and juices as it cooks, resulting in incredible flavor and texture. With creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and warm pita bread, each bite is a satisfying balance of savory and refreshing. It’s also easy to prep ahead and assemble when ready to serve.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pot Roast:

• Beef chuck roast
• Onion (sliced)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Beef broth
• Olive oil
• Red wine or balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Gyros:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Tomatoes (sliced or chopped)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Cucumber (sliced or julienned)
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or dill (optional for garnish)

directions

this recipe

1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, and spices, then sear on all sides until browned.
2. Slow Cook: Place the beef in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add sliced onions, garlic, beef broth, and optional red wine or balsamic vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours) until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
3. Shred the Meat: Remove the beef and shred with two forks. Return it to the juices and keep warm until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita bread and spread each with tzatziki sauce. Add shredded beef, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and feta.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley or dill if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6–8 gyros.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4–8 hours (depending on method)
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
• Greek Bowl: Serve over rice or couscous with gyro toppings for a deconstructed version.
• Garlic Sauce Swap: Use garlic aioli instead of tzatziki for a different creamy flavor.
• Pickled Onions: Add pickled red onions for extra tang.
• Lamb Version: Use lamb shoulder instead of beef for a more traditional gyro flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Pita bread and toppings should be stored separately and assembled fresh for best texture.
The beef can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover pot roast?

Yes! This is a great way to repurpose leftover beef pot roast with new flavors and textures.

What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?

Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes very tender when slow-cooked and shreds easily.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, braise the beef in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours, covered, until tender.

What type of pita should I use?

Soft, thick Greek-style pita is best. You can also use naan or flatbread as an alternative.

Is tzatziki necessary?

Tzatziki adds great flavor, but you can substitute garlic yogurt sauce, hummus, or tahini dressing.

How do I prevent soggy pitas?

Assemble the gyros just before serving and avoid overloading with wet toppings.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, skip the feta and use a dairy-free sauce like hummus or tahini.

Are Pot Roast Gyros freezer-friendly?

The cooked beef freezes well. Store in portions with broth to retain moisture when reheating.

What toppings work well?

Lettuce, olives, pickled veggies, or hot sauce are all great additions.

Can I serve this buffet-style?

Yes, set up a gyro bar with toppings and let everyone build their own—perfect for parties!

Conclusion

Pot Roast Gyros are a delicious, unexpected twist on a Mediterranean classic, combining the comfort of slow-cooked beef with the fresh, bold flavors of a gyro. They’re easy to prepare, fun to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy meals. Whether wrapped in warm pita or served as a bowl, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort.

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