Homemade Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros is a unique twist on the classic Greek gyro, using ground beef for the filling. This recipe combines savory beef with sautéed peppers and onions, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with a creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a casual dinner or serving at a gathering!
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita bread pockets (or flatbreads)
- Fresh lettuce (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill.
- Mix until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Beef Filling:
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Warm the Pita Bread:
- Heat the pita bread on a dry skillet or in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until warmed through. This makes it easier to fold around the filling.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce in the center of each pita.
- Add a portion of the beef and pepper-onion mixture on top of the sauce.
- Optional: Add fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve:
- Fold the pita around the filling to form a wrap. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Ground Meat Alternatives: You can swap the ground beef for ground lamb, chicken, or turkey for a different take on the gyro.
- Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms or a mix of roasted vegetables as the filling instead of meat.
- Make Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The beef filling can also be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Serving Sides: Serve with a side of crispy fries or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
This fusion of hamburger-style beef with classic gyro flavors will surely become a favorite in your household!