Authentic Greek Gyro with Homemade Gyro Meat 

by

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!