Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are a tasty treat that makes dinner easy! With tender beef slowly cooked with flavorful spices, they pack a punch in every bite.
Pair these gyros with fresh veggies and creamy sauce for a yummy meal you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, who doesn’t love a hands-off cooking night? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, you can use brisket or round roast instead; they also work well in slow cookers.
Spices: The oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika create the gyros’ unique flavor. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, skip the paprika.
Pita Bread: While classic, any flatbread like naan or lavash works instead. For a gluten-free option, try using corn tortillas or gluten-free pita bread.
Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt dip is key for flavor! If you’re short on time, store-bought is great. For a homemade version, mix plain yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Beef?
Shredding beef can seem tricky, but it’s simple if you follow these steps. The goal is to make the beef tender and easy to pull apart.
- Cook the beef low and slow until it’s fork-tender. Aim for an internal temp around 190°F (88°C).
- After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps keep the juices in.
- Use two forks to pull the beef apart gently. If it’s not shredding easily, it may need more cooking time or rest before shredding.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, 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?
This delicious Slow Cooker Beef Gyros recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, and then the beef will cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, plan for a total of around 8 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by mixing the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Take this flavorful mixture and rub it all over the beef chuck roast, making sure to coat it evenly. This step is crucial for adding great flavor!
2. Sear the Meat:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef roast in the skillet. Sear the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a nice brown color. This extra step gives the meat a wonderful depth of flavor. After searing, transfer the beef roast to your slow cooker.
3. Add Broth:
Now, pour the beef broth into the slow cooker around the roast. This will help keep the meat juicy while it cooks. Cover the slow cooker, and cook the roast on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You want the beef to be super tender and easy to shred when it’s done.
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker using tongs. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Then, return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker and give it a good stir, mixing it with the juices for even more flavor.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Time to put everything together! Warm up the pita breads slightly in a microwave or on a skillet. Then, take each pita and fill it generously with the shredded beef. Add lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced red onion for a fresh crunch!
6. Serve:
Finally, drizzle some tzatziki sauce over the filled pitas. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra touch of flavor. Wrap the pitas in foil for easy handling and serve right away. Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Beef Gyros!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or even stew meat, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Brisket will generally take longer, while stew meat may cook a bit faster. Ensure the beef is well-seasoned and seared for the best flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the gyros gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pita bread with gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps. Also, check that your tzatziki sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten fillers.
Can I Prepare the Beef in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef a day or two in advance. Just shred it, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in the slow cooker with a splash of broth when you’re ready to assemble your gyros.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Gyros?
To store leftovers, keep the ingredients separate if possible. The beef can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pita, veggies, and tzatziki should be stored separately in the fridge. Reheat the beef gently before assembling your gyros again.
