Ground Beef Gyro Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce bring all the bold, aromatic flavors of a classic Greek gyro into a fresh, modern bowl-style meal. Instead of shaved meat on pita, this recipe features juicy, well-seasoned ground beef cooked with warm Mediterranean spices, then served over a hearty base with crisp vegetables and finished with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything I enjoy about gyros—deep flavor, garlic, herbs, and creamy sauce—without the need for special equipment or long cooking times. It’s quick, customizable, and feels indulgent while still being nourishing.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• All the flavors of a gyro in an easy bowl format
• Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep
• Bold Mediterranean spices and fresh textures
• Customizable for different diets and preferences
• Filling, balanced, and family-friendly

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520–560 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

For the Bowls

• 2 cups cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup sliced red onion
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Add garlic and cook briefly.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Season with oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to develop flavor.
7. In a bowl, whisk together all garlic yogurt sauce ingredients.
8. Assemble bowls with grains, beef, vegetables, sauce, and toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare base: Cook rice, couscous, or quinoa and keep warm.
2. Cook aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
3. Brown beef: Add ground beef and cook until fully browned.
4. Season: Stir in spices and cook briefly.
5. Make sauce: Mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
6. Assemble bowls: Layer grains, beef, veggies, and sauce.
7. Garnish: Finish with feta and fresh herbs.

How to Serve

Serve these gyro bowls warm with extra garlic yogurt sauce on the side. Add warm pita bread or flatbread for scooping, and a simple Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Let the beef rest briefly for juicier texture.
• Grate garlic for smoother yogurt sauce.
• Taste and adjust lemon and salt in the sauce.
• Warm grains before assembling for best flavor.

Variations

• Chicken Gyro Bowls: Substitute ground chicken or turkey.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or mixed greens.
• Spicy Gyro Bowls: Add chili flakes or harissa to the beef.
• Dairy-Free Sauce: Use coconut yogurt with lemon and garlic.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with spiced chickpeas or lentils.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store components separately for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat beef gently on the stovetop or microwave; assemble fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spoon or whisk

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep when stored in separate components.

Q: Is this the same as traditional gyro meat?
A: It’s inspired by gyro flavors but simplified using ground beef.

Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes, but strain it for a thicker sauce.

Q: What grains work best?
A: Rice, couscous, quinoa, or even bulgur all work well.

📝Conclusion

Ground Beef Gyro Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce are a flavorful, comforting, and versatile meal that delivers classic Greek taste in an easy, modern format. With spiced beef, creamy garlic yogurt, and fresh vegetables, these bowls strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular on your meal rotation.