Homemade Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros Recipe

Homemade Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros are a delicious twist on traditional gyros, featuring juicy ground beef patties seasoned with Mediterranean spices, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Patties:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sautéed Peppers and Onions:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce or mixed greens
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in the beef patties
• ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest for brightness

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the spices are well incorporated into the beef.
2. Divide the beef mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape them into thin patties, about the size of the pita bread.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers over medium heat.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

1. To assemble the gyros, place a cooked beef patty on a warmed pita bread or flatbread.
2. Top with sautéed peppers and onions, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
3. Sprinkle with feta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Fold the pita around the fillings and serve the Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros warm. Enjoy with extra tzatziki sauce on the side.

Cooking Notes

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb, ground turkey, or a mix of beef and lamb for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Pita Bread: For extra flavor, warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven before assembling the gyros. You can also lightly toast them for a crispy texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Hamburger Gyros

Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on the assembled gyros.

2. Greek Chicken Gyros

Instead of beef patties, use grilled chicken marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and Greek spices like oregano, garlic, and cumin for a lighter alternative.

3. Vegetarian Gyros

Swap the beef patties with falafel or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version. You can also add more sautéed vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor.

4. Loaded Gyros

Add Kalamata olives, pickled red onions, or hummus to the gyro for more texture and flavor. You can also add a drizzle of tahini sauce for an extra layer of creaminess.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Serve the beef patties and sautéed vegetables in lettuce wraps or on a bed of greens instead of pita bread.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce and skip the tomatoes if watching carbs closely.
• Add avocado slices for extra healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef patties, sautéed vegetables, and tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and vegetables and assemble the gyros.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover beef patties, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and veggies in a skillet before assembling the gyros.

Q: Can I freeze the beef patties?
Yes! Cook the beef patties, allow them to cool, and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: What can I serve with these gyros?
Serve these gyros with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or hummus with pita chips. You can also add a side of tabbouleh or couscous for a complete Mediterranean meal.

These Homemade Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros offer a flavorful twist on traditional gyros with the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef patties, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce. They are easy to make and perfect for a casual meal or weeknight dinner. Customize your gyros with your favorite toppings and enjoy this delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish!