These Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are flavorful and so easy to make! Just let the tender beef cook all day with yummy spices and seasonings.
You’ll love piling the juicy beef into warm pita bread along with fresh veggies and creamy sauce. It’s like a party in your mouth! Who doesn’t want a delicious meal with little effort? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking since it becomes tender and flavorful. If you want to switch it up, you can use brisket or even pork shoulder for a different taste.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. If you’re looking for a different option, avocado oil can work well, too, and has a high smoke point.
Onion: A large yellow onion is ideal for flavor. If you’re not a fan of onion, try using shallots or even green onions for a milder taste.
Spices: The combination of oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika brings warmth and depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a hint of liquid smoke can be a great substitute.
Tzatziki Sauce: You can easily make this at home by mixing yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. If you’re short on time, any store-bought tzatziki works fine!
How Do I Get the Beef Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender beef in this recipe is the slow cooking process. Start by searing the beef; this locks in flavors and gives it a lovely crust. Here’s how to make sure it’s tender:
- Heat the skillet well before adding the olive oil and beef. This step adds a nice color and flavor.
- Don’t rush the slow cooking! Cooking on low for 8 hours is ideal, but if you’re in a hurry, high for 4-5 hours will work.
- Once cooked, let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps it keep its juices!
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your beef gyros are packed with flavor and delightfully tender every time!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Gyro Assembly:
- 6 pita bread
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for either 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. After cooking, it will take just a few minutes to assemble the gyros. It’s a simple, hands-off meal that’s perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the roast in the skillet. Sear it for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step adds a lot of flavor!
2. Transferring to the Slow Cooker:
Once the beef is browned, take it out of the skillet and transfer it to your slow cooker. In the slow cooker, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and beef broth. This aromatics combination will create a rich flavor while the beef cooks.
3. Cooking the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’re looking for the beef to be tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork. Trust us, the smell will be amazing!
4. Shredding the Beef:
After the beef is cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and let it soak up those flavorful juices for about 10 minutes. Yum!
5. Assembling the Gyros:
Now it’s time to put your gyros together! Take a piece of pita bread and fill it with a generous amount of shredded beef. Then, add in the diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and shredded romaine lettuce. Load it up with as many toppings as you like!
6. Adding the Tzatziki:
Drizzle some tzatziki sauce over the fillings. If you want, you can wrap the gyro in foil to make it easier to hold. This is super handy if you’re on the go!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious slow cooker beef gyros immediately, and enjoy all those wonderful flavors! Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute it with brisket or even flank steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Flank steak may require a little less time to cook, so check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark on high heat.
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make a quick version using Greek yogurt, minced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Combine about 1 cup of yogurt with 1/2 diced cucumber, 1-2 minced garlic cloves, juice of half a lemon, and salt to taste for a simple tzatziki substitute.
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the shredded beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. It’s best to keep the vegetables and tzatziki separate until ready to eat for optimal freshness.
Can I Freeze the Beef Gyro Filling?
Yes! You can freeze the shredded beef filling for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen, adding a bit of broth to keep it moist. Stuff it into pita right before serving!
