Go Back
+ servings
Gyros

Savory Homemade Gyros That Will Make You Forget Takeout

This homemade gyros recipe bursts with flavor and offers a quick, delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 gyros
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 lbs Ground Lamb Provides rich flavor and juiciness essential for authentic gyros.
  • 1 lbs Ground Beef (80/20) Adds moisture and a nice balance of fat.
  • 1 medium Onion Enhances savoriness and keeps the mixture moist.
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced) Adds depth of flavor and aromatic goodness.
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs Helps bind the meat mixture together.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano Offers traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin Contributes warmth and earthy undertones.
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt Essential for enhancing all flavors.
  • 1 tsp Aleppo Pepper Adds mild heat; substitute with paprika and cayenne.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Complements the spices.
For the Assembly
  • 8 pieces Pita Bread (warmed) Can substitute with gluten-free pita.
  • 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce Adds creaminess; homemade or store-bought.
  • 3 medium Tomatoes (sliced) Brings freshness and juiciness.
  • 1 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced) Adds crunch and mild sharpness.
  • 1 piece Romaine Heart (finely chopped) Provides extra crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (optional) Adds creamy, salty depth.
  • Hot Sauce (optional) For extra punch of heat.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • knife
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs.
  2. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, Aleppo pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape, compacting it firmly. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while shaping.
  4. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and place the loaf in the center. Bake for 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  5. Let the meat loaf cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly to mimic traditional gyro style.
  6. Warm pita bread on a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes on each side or in the oven.
  7. Fill warm pita with sliced gyro meat, tzatziki sauce, tomato slices, red onion, and chopped romaine.
  8. If desired, sprinkle feta cheese and add hot sauce. Repeat assembly with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gyroCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow meat to rest before slicing for best results. Use quality meat for maximum flavor and warm pita correctly.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!