Slow Cooker Beef Gyros (Print)

Slow-cooked beef and fresh toppings in warm pitas, finished with creamy tzatziki.

# Components:

→ Beef Preparation

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Juice of 2 lemons
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Assembly and Serving

09 - 8 Greek-style pita breads
10 - Diced red onion, for topping
11 - Diced tomatoes, for topping
12 - Diced cucumber, for topping
13 - Shredded lettuce, for topping
14 - Tzatziki sauce, for serving

# Method:

01 - Pour olive oil into the base of the slow cooker and evenly lay sliced red onion on top.
02 - Arrange the beef chuck roast pieces over the onion. Distribute minced garlic over the beef, and season with lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender.
04 - Remove the lid and shred the beef using two forks until all pieces are pulled apart.
05 - To char the pitas, brush both sides with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Place in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each side for 10–15 seconds until lightly charred.
06 - Pile the shredded beef onto warm pitas. Top with diced red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, shredded lettuce, and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for make-ahead meal prep
  • Minimal hands-on time just ten minutes to get everything in the slow cooker
  • Family-friendly and customizable for picky eaters
  • Tastes like a gyro shop classic with everyday ingredients
02 -
  • High in protein and satisfying thanks to hearty beef
  • Perfect for meal prepping and busy schedules
  • You can freeze leftovers for up to three months
  • Swapping out toppings lets everyone build their own version
03 -
  • Pat your beef dry before searing or adding to slow cooker for best browning and flavor
  • Use plenty of lemon juice to balance the rich beef with fresh brightness
  • Do not skip warming the pitas a little heat gives them just the right bite
  • If your tzatziki is too runny thicken it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or strain through cheesecloth

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