Spiced lamb in warm pita with tzatziki and fresh veggies
Homemade Lamb Gyros
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr
Servings
6
6 gyros
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Homemade Lamb Gyros
Spiced lamb in warm pita with tzatziki and fresh veggies
★4.6(23)
Seasoned ground lamb shaped into a loaf and sliced thin, served in warm pitas with cool tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onion.
15m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
60m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
You do not need a vertical rotisserie to make amazing gyros at home. Seasoned ground lamb baked in a loaf and sliced thin delivers that authentic gyro flavor and texture.
This recipe has been tested and refined to ensure reliable, delicious results every time you make it. Follow the steps carefully and you will be rewarded with something truly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 6 pita breads
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 tsp each oregano, cumin, and garlic powder
- 1 tomato, sliced, and 1/4 red onion, sliced
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix ground lamb with grated onion, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until very well combined.
- 2
Pack the mixture tightly into a loaf pan, pressing out all air pockets.
- 3
Bake 45 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. Drain any fat and let cool 10 minutes.
- 4
Slice the lamb loaf as thinly as possible. Optionally crisp slices in a hot skillet.
- 5
Warm pitas and assemble gyros with sliced lamb, tzatziki, tomato, and red onion.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Pita breadNaan or flatbread
Any soft flatbread works
Ground lambGround beef and lamb mix
Classic gyro blend
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Process the lamb mixture in a food processor for an even smoother texture.
Slice the loaf cold from the fridge for thinner, cleaner cuts.
Make your own tzatziki with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
Storage
Refrigerate sliced lamb for up to 4 days. Freeze the loaf for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 6 servings
Calories480
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat34g
Fiber720mg
Sugar2g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I mix lamb and beef?
- Yes, a 50/50 blend is traditional for American-style gyros.
- Can I grill the slices?
- Yes, grill thin slices over high heat for great char.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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