The Best Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making homemade gyro meat is easier than you think, and the results are packed with flavor that beats any takeout. You’ll love how simple and rewarding this recipe is, with juicy, seasoned meat that’s perfect for pitas or salads.
- No fancy equipment needed—just a food processor and your oven to create tender, perfectly spiced gyro meat at home.
- Customizable flavors—adjust the herbs and spices to match your taste, whether you like it extra garlicky or a little smoky.
- Meal-prep friendly—make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy gyros all week, hot or cold, for quick and delicious meals.
Recipe
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Greece with this homemade gyro meat recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, this dish is ideal for stuffing into pitas or serving with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground lamb (or a mix of lamb and beef)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf or patty, ensuring it’s compact and uniform in thickness.
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the gyro meat and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Transfer the cooked gyro meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the meat for serving.
Notes:
For a traditional gyro experience, serve the meat in warm pita bread with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, skillet or grill pan, cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine:
Greek
Serving:
Serves 4
Nutrition
This homemade gyro meat is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade gyro meat with warm, fluffy pita bread—it’s perfect for wrapping up all those juicy flavors. A fresh, crunchy salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing balances the richness of the meat. Trust me, this combo makes every bite feel like a mini Mediterranean feast.
Pita Bread Options
While gyro meat is delicious on its own, it’s even better when tucked into warm, fluffy pita bread—it’s like a cozy blanket for all those savory flavors. I love using fresh-baked pita, but store bought alternatives work just fine if you’re short on time. Look for ones with a slight chewiness to hold up to the juicy meat. For gluten free varieties, I’ve found almond flour or chickpea-based pitas add a nice nutty flavor. Just warm them lightly so they don’t crack. Trust me, the right pita makes all the difference—it’s the perfect pocket for your homemade gyro masterpiece.
Fresh Salad Pairings
Though gyro meat can steal the show on its own, pairing it with a fresh salad adds a crisp, invigorating contrast that’ll take your meal to the next level. I love tossing seasonal vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a bright, crunchy bite. A simple Greek salad with feta and olives works wonders, but don’t shy away from dressing variations—try lemon-tahini or a tangy yogurt drizzle. The cool, fresh flavors balance the rich, savory gyro perfectly. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want to eat your gyro without a side of greens again!
