Beef Gyros (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Beef gyros are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of spices and tender beef creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Quick prep time: With the slow cooker or Instant Pot, this dish practically cooks itself.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Beef chuck roast: Sliced thinly for a tender and juicy texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to brown the meat.
- Garlic powder, oregano, cumin, thyme: For a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright and citrusy note.
- Tzatziki sauce ingredients: Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dill weed, salt, and pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, thyme, and lemon juice.
- Cook in the slow cooker or Instant Pot until tender.
- Serve in soft pitas with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
Helpful Tips:
- Marinate the beef overnight for even more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to the right temperature.
- Swap out the beef for chicken or lamb for a different twist on this dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Sear the beef before cooking to caramelize the exterior and lock in the juices.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier tzatziki sauce.
- Add a pinch of sumac or paprika for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve beef gyros with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover beef gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time? Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
- Can I freeze the cooked beef gyros? Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use sirloin or flank steak for a leaner option.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, substitute the beef with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version.
Conclusion:
Beef gyros are a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe for your next meal and experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!
PrintBeef Gyros (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker) or 30 mins (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins (slow cooker) or 45 mins (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Enjoy tender beef gyros seasoned with Mediterranean spices, served in soft pitas with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, sliced into thin quarter inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For serving:
- 5 soft pitas
- 5 lettuce leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 of a red onion thinly sliced
- 1 English cucumber, sliced, and then halved
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season Beef: Season beef strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, thyme, and lemon juice.
- Cook Beef: Cook seasoned beef in a slow cooker or Instant Pot until tender.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, dill weed, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Gyros: Fill pitas with cooked beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and top with tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- You can marinate the beef in the seasoning overnight for more flavor.
- Add more veggies like bell peppers or olives for extra freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg