Go Back Email Link
Gyro sandwiches with ground beef gyro meat, tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers on a wooden board
Lindsay Lehrer

Easy Gyro Meat Recipe with Ground Beef (Viral Doner Kebab–Style)

3 from 2 votes
This easy gyro meat recipe uses ground beef and a viral doner kebab–style method. The meat is rolled thin, baked, then broiled to create crispy, shaved-style edges—no rotisserie required.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 Sandwiches
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 90/10
  • 1 medium onion fully puréed
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional but recommended
  • 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional Authentic Gyro Flavor Boost (for 2 lb meat):Add ¼–½ teaspoon marjoram or thyme and a pinch (⅛ tsp) cinnamon or allspice, adjusting to taste.
For Serving
  • Pita flatbread 10
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Roasted red onion
  • Roasted tomato
  • Fresh cucumber sliced

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Food processor or blender (for puréed onion)
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Sheet pans

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, puréed onion, minced garlic, olive oil (if using), oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined.
  3. Divide the meat mixture into four portions. Place one portion on a sheet of parchment paper and top with another sheet.
  4. Using a rolling pin, roll the meat out thin (about ⅛–¼ inch thick). Remove the top parchment.
  5. Starting at one end, loosely roll the bottom parchment with the meat inside to form a log. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Repeat with remaining portions.
  6. Add sliced red onion and tomato to the pan. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink (160°F internally).
  8. Remove from oven, unroll the parchment, and tear the meat into rough pieces. Spread evenly across the pan.
  9. Broil on high for 3 minutes, watching closely, until the edges are lightly browned and crisp.
  10. Serve warm in pita with tzatziki, roasted vegetables, and fresh cucumber.

Video

Notes

  • The broiler step is essential for doner kebab–style texture.
  • Thinner meat creates crispier edges; thicker meat stays juicier.
  • Calories are estimated per sandwich.