Learn how to make authentic Greek gyros at home without any special equipment! This easy gyro meat recipe is juicy, crispy, and packed with all the classic Mediterranean flavors you love. Perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or a quick family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Gyro Meat Recipe
- Richly Spiced Flavor: Each slice is loaded with savory herbs and spices—oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and cumin—that make it taste like your favorite street food.
- Juicy and Crispy Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, just like traditional gyro meat.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry spices and a mix of ground lamb and beef.
- No Special Equipment: Traditional gyros are cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but this oven-to-pan method is easy and convenient.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried marjoram
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or foil.
2. Make the Aromatic Paste
In a food processor, puree the garlic and onion until smooth. Transfer to a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible (about ½ cup). Discard the liquid and return the dried mixture to the food processor.
3. Blend Meat & Seasonings
Add the lamb, beef, oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, cumin, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
4. Bake the Loaf
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan and press it down tightly. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain excess fat, tent with foil, and let rest until it reaches 175°F (79°C).
5. Chill & Slice
Remove the loaf from the pan and cool completely, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours to firm up for thinner slicing. Slice as thinly as possible.
6. Crisp the Slices
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if desired. Pan-fry gyro slices for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
7. Serve
Enjoy your homemade gyro meat in wraps, pita, or on a salad with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Gyros
- Compact the Meat: Press tightly in the pan to achieve the right texture.
- Temperature Check: Remove from oven at 165°F; resting brings it to 175°F.
- Slicing: Use a sharp chef’s knife for even, thin slices.
- Crisping Options: Pan-fry or broil slices for extra crunch.
Pro Tip: Serve with fresh tzatziki, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce for classic Greek flavors. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and are perfect for sandwiches the next day.
This version keeps it concise, organized, and reader-friendly while highlighting the flavor, method, and tips that make it irresistible.