This mouthwatering Beef Gyros recipe brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen, using either a slow cooker or Instant Pot. In just 4 hours and 15 minutes, you’ll create tender, seasoned beef that rivals your favorite Greek restaurant.
Perfect for busy families, this protein-rich dish packs 63g of protein per serving and creates an impressive meal with minimal hands-on time. The slow-cooking method ensures the meat becomes irresistibly tender while absorbing all the authentic Greek seasonings.
Essential Ingredients
- Beef Chuck Roast (3 lbs): Cut into thin 1/4-inch strips for optimal tenderness
- Seasoning Mix: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and thyme for authentic Mediterranean flavors
- Olive Oil (3 Tbsp): Helps bind seasonings and adds richness
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 Tbsp): Adds brightness and tenderizes the meat
- Fresh Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber for crunch and freshness
- Pita Bread (5): Warm, soft pitas as the perfect wrapper
Tzatziki Sauce Components
- Greek Yogurt Base: Use plain, full-fat for creamiest results
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and dill for authentic flavor
- Finishing Touch: Red wine vinegar and olive oil for perfect consistency
Preparation Steps
- Meat Preparation: Trim excess fat and slice beef into thin strips
- Season: Combine olive oil with all seasonings and coat the meat thoroughly
- Cooking Method: Choose between slow cooker (6 hours on LOW) or Instant Pot (30 minutes on HIGH)
- Sauce Making: Mix all tzatziki ingredients and chill until serving
- Assembly: Layer pita with lettuce, cooked meat, fresh vegetables, and generous tzatziki drizzle
Cooking Techniques
Both slow cooker and Instant Pot methods work beautifully for these beef gyros! The slow cooking process helps the meat become super tender and packed with flavor.
For the best results, cut your beef against the grain when slicing it into strips – this makes the meat even more tender. If you’re using the Instant Pot, don’t skip the 15-minute natural release time, as this helps keep the meat juicy.
Make-Ahead Tips
The tzatziki sauce actually tastes better when made a day ahead – this gives all those yummy flavors time to blend together. You can prep your veggies the night before too! Just store the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in separate containers in the fridge. The seasoned beef can be cooked up to 2 days ahead and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Warm your pitas before serving – just 20 seconds in the microwave or a quick toast in a dry skillet works great! Set up a fun gyro bar with all the toppings in separate bowls so everyone can build their own perfect gyro.
Extra tzatziki sauce on the side is always a hit! These gyros taste amazing with a side of crispy French fries or a simple Greek salad. For a lighter option, serve with a handful of kalamata olives and some pickled vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tzatziki sauce stays fresh for about 4 days. Store all the fresh toppings separately to keep them crisp.
To reheat the beef, pop it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. The pitas should always be warmed up fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Beef Gyros (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Equipment
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast sliced into thin quarter inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
For serving:
- 5 soft pitas
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- For the Tzatziki Sauce: Combine all ingredients and stir well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- For Slow Cooker: Remove any large pieces of fat from the beef roast and then slice the meat into thin, 1/4 inch strips. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- For Instant Pot: Follow same meat preparation, cook on high pressure for 30 minutes with 1/3 cup water added to other ingredients. Natural release for 15 minutes.
