Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are a tasty and easy meal that features tender beef cooked to perfection with flavorful spices. You can enjoy them wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies.
Seriously, the best part is how easy they are! I love throwing everything in the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a delicious dinner. Extra tzatziki sauce? Yes, please! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for alternatives, brisket or round roast also work well. Ground beef could be used for a quicker option, though the texture will differ.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and paprika makes for a rich flavor. If you don’t have some on hand, you can use fresh garlic and onions or a pre-made spice blend like Greek seasoning. I often add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat!
Pita Bread: While regular pita is great, you can also use naan or flatbreads. Tortillas can work too, giving a unique twist! Whole wheat options are healthier if that’s a consideration.
Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy cucumber sauce is a must! If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute with sour cream or use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender beef gyros is slow cooking. It’s all about allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook low and slow. Here’s how you do it:
- Mix the spice rub well and coat the beef evenly for full flavor.
- Searing the beef before slow cooking locks in moisture, so don’t skip this! Make sure the oil is hot enough to create a nice crust.
- Cook the beef on low for a full 8 hours or until it’s fork-tender. If you cook on high, check it around the 4-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
- Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices when you shred it.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then you let the slow cooker do its magic for about 8 hours. In total, you can expect to spend around 8 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is hands-off while the beef cooks to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
Start by mixing together the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This spice mix will give your beef that delicious gyro flavor! Take the chuck roast and rub the spice mixture all over it, making sure it’s well coated.
2. Sear the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the beef roast and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step really helps to lock in the flavors!
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker and pour in the beef broth. Cover the cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for about 8 hours, or until the beef is super tender and shreds easily with a fork. You can go about your day while it cooks; how easy is that?
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily after all that cooking!
5. Warm the Pita:
While you’re preparing the gyros, take your pita breads and warm them up. You can do this in the oven for a few minutes or on a skillet for about 30 seconds each side. This makes them soft and ready to be filled!
6. Assemble Your Gyros:
It’s time to build your delicious gyros! Start by placing a generous amount of shredded beef in each warm pita. Then, top it off with shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, tomato, and thinly sliced red onion for a fresh crunch.
7. Sauce and Serve:
Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top for that perfect creamy finish. If you like, sprinkle some fresh dill over the top for a beautiful garnish. Finally, wrap the pita in foil to make it easy to handle and enjoy your homemade beef gyros right away!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or round roast as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as other cuts may vary in tenderness and cooking duration.
Can I Prepare the Gyros Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the beef in a pot on the stovetop. After searing, add the broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Just be sure to check and add more liquid if the pot dries out!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover beef gyros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the beef, vegetables, and tzatziki separate until ready to eat. Reheat the beef gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your gyros again!
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce from Scratch?
Definitely! To make your own tzatziki, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1 grated cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully!
