I came across this DELICIOUS recipe last week while I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner ……..at the end of a grocery cycle …….without the dreaded extra trip to the store!
I had already thawed out ground beef which we always have in the freezer (thanks to my parents who buy a lovely grass-fed cow for their freezer ….and keeps the whole family in good organic meat for the year!) I’m so blessed! 🙂
But, I’m totally bored with all my regular ground beef recipes. I looked in the fridge and found just enough of some regulars…..greek yogurt, garlic, lemons, a cucumber. I thought, mmmm tzatziki sauce. But, what can I do with tzatziki sauce and ground beef? If only I had thawed chicken instead. But, it occurred to me that gyros are made of ground lamb….it can’t be that different than beef. So, to the world wide web I went. And I am so glad I did! I now have a new favorite ground beef recipe.
It came together so fast and was devoured by my whole family. I’ve already made it again. The first time we used Trader Joe’s whole wheat pita (because I always have those in the freezer too!) The second time I used the flatbread naan that I made here. Either way…..SOOO good! A fantastic summer meal. I cooked them in the oven, but you can do it on the grill! I threw together a quick salad with feta and some fresh veggies from our CSA and whaalaa. Perfect.
GYROS and TZATZIKI SAUCE
What you need:
Tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup (8 ounces) plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup chopped seeded cucumber
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (i didn’t put this in….i did add some lemon juice though)
- Gyro meat:
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, optional
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 pita breads, halved, warmed
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Chill. (you and the meat). In a large bowl, combine seasonings; crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into four patties.
Grill, covered, over medium high heat for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Cut patties into thin slices; stuff into pita halves. Add lettuce, tomato and onion. Serve with the yogurt sauce. Yield 4 servings.
In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Chill. (you and the meat). In a large bowl, combine seasonings; crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into four patties.
Grill, covered, over medium high heat for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Cut patties into thin slices; stuff into pita halves. Add lettuce, tomato and onion. Serve with the yogurt sauce. Yield 4 servings.
