Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are a tasty treat! Packed with tender, spiced beef and served in warm pita bread, these sandwiches are so easy to make. Just let your slow cooker do all the work!
I love piling on the toppings like fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. Honestly, it’s like a party in my mouth every time! 🎉 Weeknight dinners have never been so fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using beef brisket or even pork shoulder as a substitute.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil is great for searing the beef. If you prefer, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil. They both work well and have a higher smoke point.
Dried Oregano: This herb adds a nice earthy flavor. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning can replace it in a pinch, as it includes oregano along with other herbs.
Tzatziki Sauce: You can buy tzatziki or make your own with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice. If you’re dairy-free, try a coconut yogurt base as an alternative.
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Seared Beef?
Searing the beef is an important step that locks in flavor and moisture. Follow these tips to get that beautiful brown crust:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the oil. This ensures the beef will sizzle as soon as it hits the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a golden brown color forms. Resist the urge to move it around too much!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Gyros:
- 4 whole pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then about 8 hours of slow cooking. You can also cook it on high for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time. Either way, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful beef for your gyros!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure to rub the spices evenly all over the meat. This will give your beef a delicious flavor!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully sear the beef roast on all sides until it’s browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t skip this step, as searing adds a lovely depth of flavor!
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Get your slow cooker ready! Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker and pour in the beef broth. This will help keep the meat moist while it cooks. Cover it up and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is super tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is done cooking, carefully shred it right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices so it stays flavorful and moist.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
To put together your gyros, warm the pita or flatbreads slightly to make them easier to handle. On each pita, layer some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, and slices of red onion. Don’t be shy, make it as colorful as you’d like!
6. Add the Beef and Tzatziki:
Now it’s time for the star of the show! Spoon a generous portion of the shredded beef on top of your salad ingredients. Finally, drizzle some tzatziki sauce over it all. This adds a delicious creaminess!
7. Wrap and Serve:
Carefully wrap the pita around all those yummy fillings, and it’s ready to eat! Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy your tasty homemade Slow Cooker Beef Gyros!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you don’t have beef chuck roast, you can use flank steak or sirloin, but keep in mind that chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which makes it tender. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as flank steak may cook faster!
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing Greek yogurt with minced garlic, chopped cucumber, a splash of lemon juice, salt, and dill. This will create a similar creamy, tangy flavor to complement your gyros!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover shredded beef and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the beef gently on the stove or in the microwave and assemble your gyros fresh!
Can I Freeze the Shredded Beef?
Yes, you can! Let the shredded beef cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in a skillet or microwave.
