These Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are easy and tasty! The beef cooks low and slow, soaking up the delicious seasonings. Just imagine the tender meat wrapped in warm pita!
I love how I can set it and forget it. Perfect for those busy days when I want something hearty without all the fuss. Serve with tzatziki and enjoy a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using beef sirloin or pork shoulder, but they may not be as juicy.
Dried Oregano: Oregano brings a classic Mediterranean flavor. Fresh oregano is a fantastic substitute if you have it; just double the amount since it’s less concentrated.
Tzatziki Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, homemade tzatziki is easy! Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and mint or dill for freshness.
Pita Bread: If you can’t find pita bread, flatbreads or wraps work well too. For a low-carb option, try lettuce wraps instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender beef gyros is all about slow cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, season the beef well with the spice mix. This creates a flavorful crust during searing.
- Sear the beef in olive oil on medium-high heat until browned. This locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
- Once in the slow cooker, keep it covered and cook on low heat for 8 hours. Avoid the temptation to lift the lid during cooking – this ensures consistent heat!
- After cooking, let the beef rest a few minutes before shredding. Mixing it with the broth again keeps it moist, enhancing the taste.
Slow Cooker Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
For the Gyros Assembly:
- 4 pita bread
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and then around 8 hours to cook in the slow cooker. Enjoy stress-free cooking while your gyros simmer to perfection, ready to be served at dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful spice rub for the beef. Take your beef chuck roast and rub the spice mixture all over it, ensuring it’s well-coated for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the beef roast to the skillet. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds great flavor!
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Once the beef is seared, transfer it to your slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the meat, which will keep it moist and flavorful as it cooks.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Let the beef cook for about 8 hours or until it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart. This is when the magic happens!
5. Shred the Beef:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the broth to keep the meat moist and delicious.
6. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the beef is shredding, you can warm up your pita bread. You can do this in the oven or on a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side until warm and soft.
7. Assemble the Gyros:
To put it all together, take a warm pita bread and pile a generous amount of the shredded beef in the center. Top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and don’t forget a spoonful of tzatziki sauce for that creamy finish!
8. Roll and Serve:
Fold the pita around the fillings to make a tasty gyro. To keep everything together, you can wrap the gyros in foil. Garnish with fresh dill if you like, then serve them immediately. Enjoy your homemade slow cooker beef gyros!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have beef chuck roast, you can use brisket or round roast instead. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s fat content and tenderness, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of water and a teaspoon of soy sauce can work too. Just remember that this may change the taste slightly!
Can I Make These Gyros Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef up to 2 days in advance. After shredding, store the beef in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef gyro filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the pita bread separate to avoid it getting soggy. For longer storage, the shredded beef can be frozen in a container for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
