Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros are a delicious twist on the traditional Greek gyro, combining seasoned ground beef with sautéed peppers, onions, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef: The base of the gyros, providing a hearty and flavorful filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a robust garlic flavor to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Greek herb flavor to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness and rich color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the beef.
For the Peppers and Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a tender texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a sweet, slightly fruity flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a mild, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained: Adds freshness and a slight crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a robust garlic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill): Provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
For Assembling:
- 4-6 pita breads, warmed: Serves as the base for the gyros.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional): Adds a fresh, juicy element to the gyros.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds a tangy, salty flavor.
- Fresh lettuce leaves (optional): Adds a crisp, fresh element.
Instructions: How to Make Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
- Season the Ground Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the beef.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat another 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with Beef:
- Once the peppers and onions are cooked, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the Pita Bread:
- Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Place a generous portion of the beef, pepper, and onion mixture onto each warmed pita. Top with a spoonful of tzatziki sauce, and add any optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh lettuce leaves.
- Serve:
- Fold the pita over the filling and serve the gyros immediately. Enjoy!
🍽 Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Tzatziki Sauce: For the best flavor, prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Pita Bread: If you prefer, you can use flatbreads or naan as an alternative to pita bread.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before assembling more gyros.
Variations of Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros
Here are some ways to customize your Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros:
- Lamb Gyros: Substitute the ground beef with ground lamb for a more traditional gyro flavor.
- Chicken Gyros: Use ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Spicy Gyros: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Gyros: Replace the ground beef with cooked chickpeas or a plant-based meat substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the gyros.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the gyros fresh when ready to eat.
3. Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and vegetable mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I serve with these gyros?
These gyros pair well with a side of Greek salad, hummus, or roasted potatoes. They’re also great with a side of crispy fries or a simple cucumber salad.
5. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki sauce can be used as a convenient alternative, though homemade offers the freshest flavor.
A Flavorful and Easy Meal
Hamburger Peppers and Onion Gyros are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic gyro with the convenience of ground beef. The combination of seasoned beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and refreshing tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So gather your ingredients and enjoy this Greek-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
