Gyro Meat Recipe
Introduction
This homemade gyro meat recipe brings the authentic flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. Combining ground lamb and beef with fragrant herbs and spices, it’s perfect for a savory, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef (or more lamb)
- 1/4 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325ºF and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Add the ground meat to a large bowl. Grate the onion on the large holes of a grater right into the bowl. Add the minced garlic, dried marjoram, cumin, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients, squeezing the meat together well. Shape the mixture into a long, flat loaf approximately 4 by 10 inches.
- Step 4: Bake the loaf for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the center reaches 160ºF on an instant-read thermometer. Allow it to cool completely.
- Step 5: Using a sharp knife, slice the loaf into thin slices no thicker than 1/4 inch. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the slices for about 1 minute on each side.
- Step 6: Serve the gyro slices over cauliflower rice or a fresh salad for a light and flavorful meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute more ground lamb for the beef or use all lamb.
- Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint can brighten the taste.
- Serve the sliced gyro meat in warm pita with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies for a traditional gyro experience.
Storage
Store leftover gyro meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a hot skillet for a minute or two to restore crispness. You can also freeze the cooked loaf before slicing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this gyro meat without lamb?
Yes, you can use all ground beef if lamb is not available, though the flavor will be slightly different. Mixing beef and pork is another tasty alternative.
How do I know when the gyro meat is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160ºF using an instant-read thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked through.
PrintGyro Meat Recipe
This Gyro Meat Recipe combines ground lamb and beef with aromatic spices to create a flavorful homemade gyro loaf. Baked to perfection and finished with a quick sear, it’s perfect served over cauliflower rice or a fresh salad for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef (or more lamb)
- 1/4 medium onion, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325ºF and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb and beef. Grate the onion directly into the bowl using the large holes of a grater. Add the minced garlic, dried marjoram, cumin, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Loaf: Squeeze the meat mixture tightly together with your hands to form a compact loaf approximately 4 inches wide and 10 inches long.
- Bake Meat Loaf: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF on an instant-read thermometer. Once baked, remove and let it cool completely.
- Slice and Sear: Using a sharp knife, slice the cooled loaf into thin slices no thicker than 1/4 inch. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the slices on each side for about 1 minute to develop a nice crust and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Serve the seared gyro meat slices over cauliflower rice or a fresh salad for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute more lamb for beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Ensure the loaf is tightly packed to help maintain its shape during baking and slicing.
- Using an instant-read thermometer ensures the meat is cooked safely without overcooking.
- For a low-carb meal, serving over cauliflower rice is a great option.
- Leftover gyro meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: gyro meat, ground lamb recipe, homemade gyro, Mediterranean recipe, baked gyro, lamb and beef meatloaf
