Loaded Ground Beef Gyros Recipe

Get ready to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and nutritious meal with this loaded ground beef gyros. You won't see ground beef often used in traditional Greek gyros, but after trying it this way, you will be a fan for life! "This ground beef gyros recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen," says recipe developer Milena Manolova.

Imagine biting into a soft, warm pita bread filled with juicy ground beef seasoned with fragrant thyme and parsley. Creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce, made with strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, and fresh herbs, adds a refreshing and cool touch to the mix. Crisp and juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion provide a refreshing crunch, while the shredded lettuce adds a touch of green goodness. To complete the flavor, we add the crispy air-fried potatoes, which provide the perfect contrast in texture. They're perfectly golden and crispy, and a perfect match for dipping into that leftover tzatziki.

The ingredients you will need for this recipe are yellow onion, garlic, ground beef, fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and ground black pepper to cook the beef. For the tzatziki, you need strained yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, fresh mint, and garlic. To assemble the gyros, you need pita bread, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, chopped lettuce, and potatoes. Vegetable oil is what you'll need for cooking the beef and potatoes.

In a hot skillet, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and diced onion. Cook on medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add one minced garlic clove and cook for 1 more minute.

Then add the ground beef, thyme, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Cook until the meat is cooked. Set aside.

In a bowl, combine the strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, mint, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, combine Julienned potato, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil.

Cook them in an air fryer for 15 minutes at the highest setting until golden brown and crispy.

Once the potatoes are cooked, assemble the gyros by spreading about 2 tablespoons tzatziki on pita bread, then add red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, ground beef, potatoes, and lettuce. Wrap it inside a piece of parchment paper or enjoy it as is.

Loaded ground beef gyros are a complete meal in themselves, but if you're looking for additional side dishes to round out the experience, here are some great options. A classic Greek salad is a refreshing and healthy complement to the savory gyros. Made with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, it adds a touch of lightness and acidity to the meal.

Hummus, a creamy chickpea dip, is a popular accompaniment to gyros in many Middle Eastern countries. It adds a smooth and nutty flavor that complements the savory ground beef and vegetables. Tabbouleh is a refreshing parsley and bulgur salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint, and is a zesty side dish that adds brightness to the meal. Offer extra tzatziki on the side for dipping, and include a platter of fresh vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, are a colorful and nutritious side dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs.

If you have leftover gyros, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to separate any components that might lead to sogginess if stored together. For example, keep the tzatziki sauce in a separate container. Consider storing the various components of the loaded gyros separately, if possible. This includes keeping the veggies, tzatziki, and any crispy elements (like fries or chips) in their own containers. This helps maintain the individual textures of each component. Consume the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best quality and taste.

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, consider reheating the components separately to maintain their textures. For example, warm the meat in a skillet, reheat the fries or chips in an oven or air fryer, and serve the cold components like tzatziki and veggies as they are. While certain components, like tzatziki, may not freeze well due to changes in texture, you can freeze the individual elements that do. For instance, you can freeze the pita bread, roasted beef, or roasted veggies if using any.

You can cook and season the ground beef with thyme, parsley, onion, and garlic in advance. Once cooked, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a skillet when you're ready to assemble the gyros. The tzatziki sauce can be prepared ahead by mixing strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, fresh mint, and dill. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving to ensure a consistent texture. You can wash, chop, and prepare the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers or plastic bags to maintain their freshness. You can warm the pita bread just before serving. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

While these components can be prepared ahead, it's recommended to assemble the gyros just before serving to maintain the desired textures. Assembling too far in advance may lead to sogginess, especially if ingredients like tzatziki or crispy fries are involved. Enjoying the gyros fresh ensures the best eating experience, but prepping certain elements ahead can certainly save you time in the kitchen.

If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef in gyros, there are several delicious options that can cater to various dietary preferences. Ground lamb, for example, is traditionally used in combination with beef. Using only ground lamb can provide a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with the other gyro components. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Season it well with Mediterranean spices like oregano, thyme, and garlic to capture the gyro's distinctive flavor. Mix things up by using a combination of ground meats, like lamb and chicken or lamb and turkey. This can offer a unique blend of flavors.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, falafel is a great option. These deep-fried chickpea patties are popular with their crispy texture and flavorful interior, making them a perfect choice for vegetarians. Marinated and grilled vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers, can serve as a tasty and hearty alternative to meat. Seitan, or tempeh, can be seasoned and cooked to mimic the texture and flavor of meat. They are especially suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.