Savory Beef Gyros with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Experience the incredible flavors of Greece with these Savory Beef Gyros. This delightful recipe features lean ground beef seasoned to perfection, complemented by a refreshing homemade yogurt sauce. The combination of fresh tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers enveloped in warm pita pockets creates a deliciously satisfying appetizer or light meal option for gatherings or everyday lunches. Perfect for impressing friends and family, these gyros are also a great way to use leftover roast beef. Elevate your culinary skills and explore Mediterranean flavors with this easy-to-follow recipe!
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 lb (Raw, mixed with seasonings)
Plum tomatoes
4 (Thinly sliced)
Small pita pocket bread
8 (Cut in half and warmed (4-inch diameter))
Garlic clove
1 (Crushed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Plain low-fat yogurt
2/3 cup (For yogurt sauce)
Cucumber
1/3 cup (Chopped for yogurt sauce)
Onions
3 tablespoons (Finely chopped for yogurt sauce)
Fresh parsley
2 teaspoons (Chopped for yogurt sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the creamy yogurt sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the plain low-fat yogurt, chopped cucumber, finely chopped onions, crushed garlic clove, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly and cover with plastic wrap to refrigerate while you prepare the beef.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, you can choose to grill the patties for a charred flavor.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the lean ground beef with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix lightly but ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Divide the beef mixture into 16 equal portions and shape each portion into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
5
Place the formed patties on a rack in a broiler pan, allowing excess fat to drip away during cooking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the patties are no longer pink in the center. If grilling, cook over medium heat until fully cooked through.
7
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the oven or grill and let them rest for a minute.
8
To assemble the gyros, take each warmed pita half and fill it with an equal amount of the cooked beef patties and thinly sliced plum tomatoes. Top generously with the creamy yogurt sauce.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
14.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these gyros?
The recipe uses 1 lb of lean ground beef, which is seasoned and formed into small patties.
What are the ingredients for the creamy yogurt sauce?
The sauce consists of plain low-fat yogurt, chopped cucumber, finely chopped onions, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
How many patties should the beef mixture be divided into?
The beef mixture should be divided into 16 equal portions, each about 2 inches in diameter.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the beef?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I grill the beef instead of baking it?
Yes, you can grill the patties over medium heat until they are fully cooked through for a charred flavor.
How many calories are in one serving of Savory Beef Gyros?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 14.5g of protein per serving.
What type of bread is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 small pita pocket breads, which are 4 inches in diameter and cut in half.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The 4 plum tomatoes should be thinly sliced for assembly.
How long do the patties need to bake?
The patties take approximately 10 minutes to bake, or until they are no longer pink in the center.
What seasonings are used for the beef patties?
The beef is seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried oregano leaves.
Is this recipe considered a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it is designed to showcase Mediterranean flavors from Greece.
Should the yogurt sauce be served cold?
Yes, the instructions recommend refrigerating the sauce while you prepare the beef.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 8.75g of fat per serving.
Are there carbohydrates in these gyros?
Yes, there are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What type of yogurt should I use for the sauce?
The recipe specifies using plain low-fat yogurt.
Can I use leftover beef for this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions this is a great way to use leftover roast beef.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic clove should be crushed before being added to the yogurt sauce.
What is the assembly process for the gyros?
Fill each warmed pita half with equal amounts of cooked beef and sliced tomatoes, then top with the yogurt sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for an appetizer?
Yes, the small size of the patties and pita pockets makes them a satisfying appetizer or snack.
How many plum tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 4 plum tomatoes.
What type of onions are recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for finely chopped onions for the yogurt sauce.
How much dried oregano is needed for the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
Should the pita bread be warmed before serving?
Yes, the instructions suggest using warmed pita halves for the best experience.
What size should the beef patties be?
They should be shaped into small patties about 2 inches in diameter.
What kind of parsley is used?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley, chopped for the yogurt sauce.
How much cucumber goes into the yogurt sauce?
You will need 1/3 cup of chopped cucumber.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used for seasoning the beef, plus a pinch for the sauce.
Is there a specific way to cook the patties to reduce fat?
The recipe suggests placing the patties on a rack in a broiler pan to allow excess fat to drip away while baking.