Savor the delightful flavors of “Mediterranean Fusion: Hamburger, Peppers, and Onion Gyros.” This unique twist on traditional gyros features juicy hamburger patties topped with sautéed peppers and onions, all wrapped in warm pita bread and drizzled with a tangy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal, these gyros bring together the best of American and Mediterranean cuisine.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Form the Hamburger Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of lean ground beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Cook the Hamburger Patties:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the hamburger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Sauté the Peppers and Onions:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 thinly sliced onion and 2 thinly sliced bell peppers. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita bread in the oven or microwave. Place a cooked hamburger patty in the center of each pita. Top with sautéed peppers and onions. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and add any optional toppings like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or feta cheese.
- Warm the pita bread in the oven or microwave. Place a cooked hamburger patty in the center of each pita. Top with sautéed peppers and onions. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and add any optional toppings like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or feta cheese.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the hamburger patties and vegetables before assembling the gyros.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked hamburger patties in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
INGREDIENT:
For the Ground Beef:
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Peppers and Onions:
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber grated and drained
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
4-6 pita breads warmed
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
Fresh lettuce leaves optional
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Peppers and Onions:
In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or in the oven.
Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread.
Add a portion of the cooked ground beef, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions.
Top with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh lettuce leaves, if desired.