Classic Lamb Gyro with Fresh Tzatziki

Named for the Greek word meaning to turn, gyros traditionally spin on a vertical spit. This home-friendly version bakes a spiced loaf of lamb and beef, then tucks it into pita with cool cucumber tzatziki.

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 34g protein
• 38g carbs
• 26g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 8 oz ground beef
• 1 medium onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 pita breads
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1Finely grate or mince the onion and garlic, then squeeze excess moisture from the onion with a clean kitchen towel so the meat mixture holds together.
2. 2In a large bowl combine the ground lamb, ground beef, grated onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed; do not overwork.
3. 3Shape the mixture into a compact loaf about 8 inches long and place it on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
4. 4Roast in a preheated 375°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the exterior is nicely browned.
5. 5While the meat cooks, grate the cucumber, salt it lightly, and let it drain in a colander for 10 minutes; squeeze dry thoroughly.
6. 6Stir the drained cucumber into the Greek yogurt with chopped dill, lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and garlic to make cool, thick tzatziki; chill until serving.
7. 7Remove the cooked loaf, tent loosely with foil, and rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice across the grain into gyro-style strips.
8. 8Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 to 45 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
9. 9Slice the tomatoes and red onion into thin half-moons and chop the parsley.
10. 10Open each warm pita, fill generously with sliced gyro meat, spoon on tzatziki, and top with tomato, onion, and parsley.
11. 11Serve immediately while the meat is still warm and the pita soft, with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.