Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are a tasty way to enjoy a Greek favorite at home. With juicy beef slow-cooked in flavorful spices, you’ll have a meal that’s both easy and satisfying!
Serve it up in warm pita bread with fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. I love how simple it is; just toss everything in and let it cook. It’s like magic, but with delicious food! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or round roast can work as substitutes, though they may cook slightly differently.
Olive Oil: It is great for searing because it enhances the beef’s flavor. You can also use vegetable or canola oil if you prefer a different taste or need a higher smoke point.
Spices (Oregano, Cumin, Paprika): These spices are essential for flavor. If you’re out of oregano, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute. For a twist, try smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for extra depth.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought tzatziki is convenient, but homemade offers a fresher taste. You can make it with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill if you’re looking for a homemade option.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Shredded Beef?
The key to perfectly shredded beef is all about the cooking time and technique. Follow these steps to ensure your beef is tender and flavorful:
- Start by searing the beef until it’s golden brown; this adds depth to the final dish.
- Cook the beef in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Low and slow is the best way to break down the connective tissues in the meat.
- After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding; this keeps it moist. Use two forks to pull the beef apart easily.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to absorb the broth for about 15 additional minutes for added flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread pockets
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and sear the beef, plus 8 hours for cooking in the slow cooker. After cooking, allow around 15 minutes to shred the beef and assemble your gyros. In total, you’re looking at just over 8 hours, but most of that time is letting your slow cooker do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
First, take out a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Place the roast in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning the meat adds a lot of rich flavor!
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Once your beef is browned, carefully transfer it to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth to keep everything moist and flavorful. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. During this time, the beef will become tender and easy to shred – perfect for gyros!
3. Shred the Beef:
After 8 hours, your beef should be ready! Remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and let it soak in the delicious juices for about 15 minutes—this will help enhance the flavor.
4. Assemble Your Gyros:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take your pita bread pockets and fill each one with a generous amount of the shredded beef. Next, add some shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Don’t shy away from adding a good dollop of tzatziki sauce on top!
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh dill on top for a lovely touch. Wrap your assembled gyros in foil to help hold all the tasty fillings together. Serve them immediately and enjoy the deliciousness of your slow cooker beef gyros!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, you can use other cuts like brisket or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as leaner cuts may cook faster. Searing the meat first will still enhance the flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand, you can make a quick version by mixing plain yogurt with chopped cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dill or mint. Alternatively, hummus or a yogurt-based ranch dressing can work as a tasty substitute!
How to Store Leftover Gyro Filling?
Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Reassemble the gyros just before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! If you like some heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before searing the beef. You can also serve with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for those who want an extra kick!
