Smashed Beef Gyros
Portions| 4
Prep Time|20 Minutes
Cooking Time|20 Minutes
Ingredients (Prepare the Beef)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Ingredients (Tzatziki)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Beef
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into small balls.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the beef balls in the skillet, a few at a time and use a spatula to press them down into thin patties, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Top each patty with a pita bread and firmly press down on them with a meat press or the bottom of a skillet. Press the meat until it spreads 1/2 inch over the pita bread.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the meat is cooked through.
- Using a large spatula, flip the smashed gyros and cook for a minute until the pitas are lightly toasted. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Tzatziki
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and fresh lemon juice.
- Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Gyros
- Spread a generous amount of the tzatziki sauce over the center of each pita with the beef patty.
- Top with thinly sliced tomato, cucumber and red onion.
- Fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately.
