Loaded Ground Beef Gyros Recipe

Gather all the loaded ground beef gyros recipe ingredients

For this recipe, you'll require yellow onion, garlic, ground beef, fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and ground black pepper to prepare the beef. For the tzatziki sauce, gather strained yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, fresh mint, and garlic. To put together the gyros, you'll need pita bread, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, chopped lettuce, and potatoes. You'll also need vegetable oil for cooking the beef and potatoes.

Step 1: Cook the onion

In a heated skillet, pour in a tablespoon of vegetable oil and add chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes tender and translucent.

Step 2: Add garlic

Incorporate one minced garlic clove and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add the ground beef and herbs

Next, incorporate the ground beef, thyme, parsley, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 4: Cook the meat until ready

Prepare the meat until fully cooked, then set it aside.

Step 5: Make the tzatziki

In a mixing bowl, blend together the strained yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, mint, minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Put aside.

Step 6: Season the potatoes

In a separate bowl, mix together the julienned potato, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.

Step 7: Make the fries

Air fry them for 15 minutes on the highest setting until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Assemble the gyros

After cooking the potatoes, prepare the gyros by spreading approximately 2 tablespoons of tzatziki on the pita bread. Next, layer on the red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, ground beef, potatoes, and lettuce. You can either wrap it in parchment paper or enjoy it as it is.

What should you serve with loaded ground beef gyros?

Loaded ground beef gyros are a satisfying meal on their own, but if you want to enhance your dining experience with some side dishes, here are some excellent choices. A traditional Greek salad makes for a refreshing and nutritious pairing with the savory gyros. Composed of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, it brings a light and tangy element to the meal.

Hummus, a smooth chickpea dip, is a favored side for gyros in many Middle Eastern cultures. Its creamy, nutty taste beautifully complements the seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables. Tabbouleh, a vibrant salad made with parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint, offers a zesty contrast that brightens the plate. Consider serving extra tzatziki for dipping, along with a platter of fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, provide a colorful and healthy addition. Simply drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs for added flavor.

How do you store loaded ground beef gyros?

If you have leftover gyros, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Be sure to keep any ingredients that could become soggy if combined apart from each other. For instance, place the tzatziki sauce in a separate container. If possible, consider storing the different elements of the loaded gyros separately, including the vegetables, tzatziki, and any crispy items like fries or chips. This will help preserve the unique textures of each part. Aim to eat the leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal quality and flavor.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, it's a good idea to reheat the components individually to keep their textures intact. For example, warm the meat in a skillet, reheat the fries or chips in an oven or air fryer, and serve the cold items like tzatziki and vegetables as they are. While some components, such as tzatziki, may not freeze well due to texture changes, you can freeze the individual elements that do freeze well. For example, pita bread, roasted beef, or roasted vegetables can be frozen if you have any.

Can you make loaded ground beef gyros in advance?

You can prepare and season the ground beef with thyme, parsley, onion, and garlic ahead of time. After cooking, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to put together the gyros, simply reheat it in a skillet. The tzatziki sauce can also be made in advance by combining strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, fresh mint, and dill. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving to ensure a smooth consistency.

You can wash, chop, and prepare the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce ahead of time as well. Store these ingredients separately in airtight containers or plastic bags to keep them fresh. Warm the pita bread just before serving, and cover it to prevent it from drying out.

While these components can be prepped in advance, it's best to assemble the gyros right before serving to preserve the desired textures. Assembling too early may result in sogginess, particularly with ingredients like tzatziki or crispy fries. Enjoying the gyros fresh will provide the best experience, but preparing certain elements ahead of time can definitely save you some effort in the kitchen.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

If you're seeking substitutes for ground beef in gyros, there are numerous tasty options that can accommodate different dietary needs. Ground lamb, for instance, is often used alongside beef in traditional recipes. Opting for solely ground lamb can deliver a rich and savory taste that complements the other gyro ingredients beautifully. For a leaner choice, consider using ground turkey or chicken. Be sure to season it generously with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and garlic to achieve that signature gyro flavor. You can also experiment with a mix of ground meats, such as lamb combined with chicken or turkey, to create a distinctive flavor profile.

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, falafel is an excellent choice. These crispy, deep-fried chickpea patties are beloved for their crunchy exterior and flavorful center, making them an ideal selection for vegetarians. Additionally, marinated and grilled vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers can provide a delicious and satisfying meat alternative. Seitan or tempeh can also be seasoned and prepared to replicate the texture and taste of meat, making them particularly suitable for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets.