Mediterranean Beef Gyros with Yogurt Sauce
Elevate your summer dining with these Mediterranean Beef Gyros, a delightful and healthy meal that's quick to prepare. Featuring lean ground beef (or turkey) infused with aromatic spices, these gyros are accompanied by a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce that perfectly balances the robust flavors. Nestled within warm pita bread and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, these gyros are not only flavorful but also low in fat, making them a nutritious choice for lunch or a light snack. Ideal for gatherings or casual family meals, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plain Yogurt
8 ounces (Plain, for the sauce)
Seeded Cucumber
1/3 cup (Chopped; thinly slice the remainder for garnish)
Onions
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped for the sauce)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced for the sauce)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (For the sauce)
Lean Ground Beef (or Turkey)
1 pound (For the patties)
Dried Oregano
1.5 teaspoons (For flavoring the patties)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the patties)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the patties)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Optional, for flavor)
Pepper
3/4 teaspoon (For seasoning the patties)
Pita Breads
4 pieces (For serving)
Shredded Lettuce
3 cups (For filling the gyros)
Tomatoes
1 large (Chopped for filling)
Onion
1 small (Chopped for filling)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, chopped cucumber, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and sugar. Mix well and cover the bowl. Refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors meld, preferably overnight.
2
In a separate large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey) with dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt (if using), and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3
Shape the seasoned meat mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.
4
Preheat your grill or toaster oven. Cook the patties over medium to high heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meat is no longer pink, flipping once halfway through cooking.
5
Once cooked, remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before thinly slicing them.
6
Warm the pita breads slightly on the grill or in a toaster oven.
7
To assemble the gyros, stuff each warm pita with a portion of sliced meat, followed by shredded lettuce, cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and onions.
8
Serve the gyros with the prepared cucumber yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Beef Gyros with Yogurt Sauce?
It is a healthy, flavorful meal featuring seasoned lean ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, and a cucumber yogurt sauce served in warm pita bread.
What meat can I use for these gyros?
You can use either lean ground beef or ground turkey for this recipe.
How do I prepare the yogurt sauce?
Combine plain yogurt, chopped seeded cucumber, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and sugar, then refrigerate to meld flavors.
How long should the yogurt sauce be refrigerated?
It is recommended to refrigerate the sauce, preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
How should I shape the meat?
Shape the seasoned ground meat into four evenly sized patties.
What is the required internal temperature for the meat?
The meat should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
How long do the patties take to cook?
They take approximately 10 to 12 minutes over medium to high heat, flipping once halfway through.
Can I cook the patties in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can use either a grill or a toaster oven to cook the patties.
How do I handle the cucumber for this recipe?
Chop 1/3 cup of seeded cucumber for the sauce and thinly slice the remainder for garnish.
Is this gyro recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious meal featuring lean proteins and fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe considered low fat?
Yes, by using lean ground beef or turkey and fresh ingredients, it is a low-fat dining option.
What toppings go into the pita bread?
Stuff the pita with sliced meat, shredded lettuce, cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and onions.
How do I warm the pita bread?
Warm the pitas slightly on a grill or in a toaster oven before assembly.
Can I substitute beef with turkey?
Yes, lean ground turkey is a suitable and healthy alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
How many patties does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes four evenly sized meat patties.
Should the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, let the patties rest for a few minutes before thinly slicing them.
What ingredients are in the meat patties besides meat?
The patties contain dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Does the yogurt sauce contain sugar?
Yes, the sauce includes one teaspoon of sugar for flavor balance.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe specifies using plain yogurt for the sauce.
Is salt necessary for the meat seasoning?
Salt is listed as optional and can be adjusted based on preference.
How many pieces of pita bread are needed?
You will need four pieces of pita bread for this recipe.
Why is this considered a summer meal?
It is quick to prepare, uses fresh ingredients, and features a cooling yogurt sauce perfect for warm weather.
How quick is this recipe to prepare?
The recipe is designed for quick cooking, with the meat taking only 10-12 minutes to grill.
Is this suitable for lunch?
Yes, these gyros are an ideal choice for a nutritious lunch or light snack.
How should the garlic be prepared for the sauce?
The garlic for the yogurt sauce should be minced.
How much lettuce is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded lettuce.
How do I slice the cooked meat?
Thinly slice the patties after they have rested to ensure the best texture for the gyro.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How should the onions be prepared for the sauce?
The onions for the sauce should be finely chopped.