Name: Beef Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 pita breads (or flatbreads); 1 cup lettuce, chopped; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

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Beef gyros are a delicious and flavorful Greek dish featuring seasoned beef, warm pita bread, and fresh toppings like tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes just as good as what you’d get from a Greek restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep idea, these beef gyros will satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Greek Flavor – Savory, spiced beef paired with fresh toppings and creamy tzatziki.
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like feta cheese, cucumbers, or hummus.
Great for Meal Prep – The beef can be cooked ahead for easy meals throughout the week.
Healthy and Satisfying – Packed with protein and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

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

For the Beef:

Beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Greek yogurt (for tenderness)
Oregano
Cumin
Paprika
Salt and pepper

For the Gyros:

Pita bread
Tzatziki sauce
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onions
Cucumber slices (optional)
Feta cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef

Slice the beef thinly or use ground beef.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the beef, coat evenly, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

2. Cook the Beef

Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the beef for 4-5 minutes per side (if using slices) or until browned (if using ground beef).
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

3. Warm the Pita Bread

Heat pita bread in a dry pan or wrap it in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

4. Assemble the Gyros

Spread tzatziki sauce on the pita.
Add the cooked beef, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber.
Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill.
Fold and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Total Time: 20-40 minutes

Variations

Chicken Gyros: Swap beef for grilled or shredded chicken.
Lamb Gyros: Use lamb for a more traditional Greek flavor.
Vegetarian Gyros: Replace beef with grilled mushrooms, falafel, or tofu.
Spicy Gyros: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.
Dairy-Free: Skip the Greek yogurt in the marinade and use dairy-free tzatziki.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm beef in a pan over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for gyros?

Sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef all work well for this recipe.

How do I make my beef gyros extra tender?

Marinate the beef with Greek yogurt and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.

Can I grill the beef instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Grill thinly sliced beef over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.

What can I use instead of tzatziki sauce?

Hummus, garlic sauce, or a simple yogurt-based dressing work well.

What’s the best way to serve gyros?

Serve with a side of Greek salad, fries, or rice.

Can I make these gyros ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef in advance and assemble the gyros when ready to eat.

Are gyros gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pita or serve the beef over a salad instead.

How can I make my gyros low-carb?

Serve the beef in lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.

Can I use store-bought gyro meat?

Yes, pre-cooked gyro meat can be used for a quicker version.

What’s the difference between a gyro and a shawarma?

Gyros are Greek, seasoned with Mediterranean spices, and served with tzatziki, while shawarma is Middle Eastern, marinated differently, and often served with tahini or garlic sauce.

Conclusion

Homemade beef gyros are a delicious, easy-to-make meal packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, these gyros are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy restaurant-quality gyros right from your own kitchen!