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Easy Homemade Gyros

"The meat patties for the gyros were full of flavor, and the recipe was very easy to follow and prepare. We loved the spiciness of the meat, and the tzatziki balanced the flavors perfectly. Using ground beef in the gyros made it an economical meal as well." —Diana Rattray

Ingredients

  • For the Meat Mixture:
  • 1 pound ground lamb or beef
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Oil for grilling or frying, as needed
  • For the Sandwich:
  • 4 rounds flatbread or pita
  • 4 leaves lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato sliced or diced
  • 1/2 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • To make the meat mixture, thoroughly combine the ground lamb, salt, black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, garlic, red onion, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
  • Divide into four equal portions and shape into oblong patties about 3-inch wide by 6-inch long by 1/2-inch thick. Notice that the patty is shaped more like a sausage (long and thin) rather than a hamburger patty. This is intentional, to ensure the patty fits in the flatbread. Refrigerate for one hour.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Alternatively, heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat.
  • If grilling, brush the grill or grill pan with oil. If pan-frying, add a dollop of oil to the pan. Grill or pan-fry the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through with crispy edges.
  • To assemble the sandwiches, spread tzatziki sauce down in the center of a flatbread round or the pocket of the pita.
  • Add a lettuce leaf, some sliced tomato, and a few thin onion slices.
  • Add the patty and fold the bread over the lamb. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Gyros are messy to eat. You can help curb the mess by wrapping each gyro in foil.
If you're worried about the meat sticking to the grill, brush the patties with oil before cooking.
Recipe Variations
Ground pork can also be used instead of lamb or beef.
Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.