Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground lamb or ground beef (80/20 blend works well)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a bit of warmth)
  • 4 large pita breads (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (227g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Optional: Kalamata olives, feta cheese

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess liquid. Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Marinate the Meat: Combine ground meat, onion, garlic, olive oil, and all spices in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
  3. Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat. Crumble the meat as it cooks, breaking up any large chunks. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Alternatively, spread the mixture on a baking sheet and broil on high, watching very carefully to ensure it does not burn.
  4. Warm the Pita Bread: Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven until pliable.
  5. Assemble the Gyros: Spread tzatziki sauce on each pita bread. Top with cooked gyro meat, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Add olives and feta if desired.
  6. Serve immediately: Enjoy your homemade gyro feast!