Homemade Hamburger, Pepper & Onion Gyros

That’s a fantastic fusion idea! Combining the classic Greek gyro with a homemade hamburger patty and sautéed peppers and onions is a surefire winner for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s like a Greek-inspired cheeseburger in a wrap.

Here’s a complete recipe for Homemade Hamburger, Pepper, and Onion Gyros.

Homemade Hamburger, Pepper & Onion Gyros

This recipe creates flavorful, juicy hamburger “loaves” that you slice thinly, mimicking traditional gyro meat, paired with perfectly sautéed peppers and onions, all wrapped in a warm pita.

Ingredients:

For the Hamburger Gyro Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor and juiciness)

• 1 small yellow onion, grated (this adds moisture and flavor throughout)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sautéed Peppers & Onions:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large yellow or red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 4-6 large pita breads or flatbreads

• Tzatziki Sauce (store-bought or homemade – see quick recipe below)

• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• Sliced tomatoes

• Shredded lettuce or romaine

Quick Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry in a paper towel)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

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Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Hamburger Gyro Meat

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, and all the spices (oregano, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly. Don’t overwork the meat.

3. Divide the mixture in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a long, narrow loaf, about 1-inch thick and 6-7 inches long. This shape is perfect for slicing later.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

1. While the meat is baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the sliced onions and peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until they are softened and have some caramelized, browned edges.

Step 3: Warm the Pitas

• Warm your pitas briefly in a dry skillet, in the oven, or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them pliable and prevents tearing.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

1. Lay a warm pita flat on a plate.

2. Down the center, add a few slices of the warm hamburger gyro meat.

3. Top with a generous scoop of the sautéed peppers and onions.

4. Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce, and then your other desired toppings (tomato, lettuce, feta cheese).

5. To fold: Fold the bottom of the pita up over the filling, then fold the sides in, rolling it into a tight wrap. For an easier eat, you can wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or foil.

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Chef’s Tips & Variations:

• For a Crispy Edge on the Meat: Instead of baking, you can pan-fry the hamburger loaves in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through. This will give you a better crust.

• Cheeseburger Gyro: Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the hot meat just before assembling so it melts.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hamburger mixture or to the peppers and onions while they sauté.

• Alternative Cooking: You can also shape the meat into patties and cook them on the grill for a smoky flavor. Simply slice the cooked patties into strips for the gyro.

• Make it a Bowl: For a low-carb option, skip the pita and serve the sliced hamburger meat and peppers & onions over a bed of lettuce or rice with a big scoop of tzatziki.

This is a fun, interactive, and incredibly tasty meal that everyone can customize to their liking. Enjoy your homemade gyro night