Philly Gyro Pita Recipe

Prepare meat mixture

In a large bowl combine ground beef and ground lamb. Add the grated and well-squeezed onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, crushed red pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until spices are evenly distributed; avoid overworking to keep meat tender.

Form and cook

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Form the meat into a single thin patty roughly the size of your pita or into smaller patties for quicker cooking. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through (internal temperature ~160°F/71°C). If using a single large patty, slice thinly after resting for 2 minutes. Transfer cooked meat to a plate and keep warm.

Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onion, green pepper, and mushrooms. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized, about 6–8 minutes.

Combine with meat

Return sliced or chopped cooked meat to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine and reheat for 1–2 minutes.

Add cheese

Reduce heat to low. Lay provolone slices over the meat and vegetable mixture, cover the skillet with a lid for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. If you prefer, broil briefly on a sheet pan to melt the cheese instead.

Make quick tzatziki

While the vegetables cook, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Taste and add hot sauce if you want some heat. Refrigerate or hold at cool temperature until assembly.

Warm pita

Warm the pita breads for 20–30 seconds per side in a hot dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until pliable.

Assemble the Philly Gyro Pita

Open each warmed pita and spread about 2 tablespoons of tzatziki inside. Layer with 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and 1/2 of the cheesy meat-and-vegetable mixture. Add pickled peppers if using and drizzle any remaining tzatziki on top. Fold or roll pita to enclose filling.

Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Optionally serve extra tzatziki and hot sauce on the side.