Bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen with this authentic Greek Gyro recipe. Featuring homemade gyro meat made from a blend of ground beef and lamb, this dish is packed with savory spices and paired with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will transport you to the streets of Athens with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Gyro Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or butter*
- 2 large eggs
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
To Assemble:
- 1 batch Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 large red onion, sliced thin
- 2-4 tomatoes, sliced
- 1-2 cucumbers, sliced
- 8-10 pita rounds
- Fresh dill, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Gyro Meat:
- Warm Up the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and let it preheat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, bacon grease (or butter), eggs, milk, lemon juice, and Panko bread crumbs. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried cumin, and dried marjoram (if using).
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down firmly to eliminate any air pockets.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cool and Slice: Remove the meat from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, slice the meat thinly for serving.
Assembling the Gyros:
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: If you haven’t already, prepare a batch of Tzatziki sauce following your preferred recipe.
- Warm the Pita: Warm the pita rounds in the oven or on a skillet until they are soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Place a few slices of gyro meat onto each pita round. Add sliced red onion, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Top with a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh dill if desired. Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.
Conclusion
These Authentic Greek Gyros with Homemade Gyro Meat are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Greece to your table. The combination of spiced meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy Tzatziki sauce makes for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy these gyros for a special dinner or share them with friends for a delightful culinary experience!