How to Make Traditional Gyro Meat - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to Greek cuisine, one of the most beloved and iconic dishes is traditional gyro meat. Gyro meat is a delicious and flavorful meat that is typically made using a combination of ground lamb and ground beef. This classic Greek dish is often enjoyed in pita bread with toppings such as tzatziki sauce, onions, and tomatoes.

The key to making traditional gyro meat is the perfect blend of seasonings and spices, as well as the technique used to cook the meat. The result is tender, ju...

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Ingredients

  • ½ onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 10
  • Yield: 1 (7x4-inch) loaf

  • Pulse onion in a food processor until finely chopped. Scoop onions onto the center of a towel, gather up the towel ends, and squeeze to remove liquid.
  • Combine onions, lamb, beef, garlic, oregano, cumin, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until well combined. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Place the meat mixture into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped and the texture feels tacky, about 1 minute. Transfer to a 7x4-inch loaf pan, and pack down to make sure there are no air pockets.
  • Line a large roasting pan with a damp kitchen towel. Place the loaf pan in the center of the towel-lined roasting pan, and transfer it into the preheated oven. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until gyro meat is no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  • Pour off any accumulated fat, and allow to cool slightly before slicing thinly and serving.
  • Nutrition

    179 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 59mg
    • Sodium: 97mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 25mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 230mg