Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are simply delicious! Tender beef is cooked slowly with tasty spices, making it super flavorful. You can pile it high in pita pockets with your favorite toppings!
Who doesn’t love an easy meal that makes the house smell amazing? I like to add extra veggies and a dollop of tzatziki sauce—so fresh and yummy! It’s a fun family dinner you can all enjoy. 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking thanks to its marbling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using brisket or even pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times might slightly differ.
Spices: The combo of oregano, thyme, cumin, and paprika gives great flavor. You can switch oregano for Italian seasoning or thyme for dried rosemary. Fresh herbs can be used too, just double the amount since they’re less concentrated.
Olive Oil: While I love using olive oil for searing, avocado oil also works great and has a higher smoke point. If you’re aiming for a different flavor profile, try coconut oil or butter instead.
Tzatziki Sauce: I recommend using homemade sauce for freshness, but store-bought is a convenient choice. If you’re dairy-free, a cucumber dip made with coconut yogurt or cashew cream is a tasty substitute.
How Do You Get the Beef Nice and Tender in a Slow Cooker?
The key to tender beef is really letting it cook low and slow. This breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. Here’s how to do it:
- First, sear the beef in olive oil to enhance the flavor and add color.
- Next, layer quartered onions in the slow cooker. They help keep the roast moist as it’s cooking.
- Add beef broth to keep everything juicy. If needed, you can even use water or a splash of red wine for added flavor.
- Lastly, resist the urge to lift the lid while it cooks. It’s tempting, but keeping the lid on helps maintain the temperature!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time, plus 4-8 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. You’ll spend a few minutes seasoning and searing the beef, and then the slow cooker will do the hard work while you relax! Once it’s finished, assembling the gyros is quick and easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by mixing the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This will be your flavorful spice rub! Take that mix and rub it all over the beef chuck roast, covering all sides well.
2. Sear the Beef:
Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned beef roast to the pan. Sear it on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor!
3. Set up the Slow Cooker:
In the slow cooker, place the quartered onion at the bottom. Then, carefully place the seared beef roast on top of the onion. Pour the beef broth over the top of the roast. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
4. Cook the Beef:
Now it’s time to let the slow cooker do its magic! Set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef is done when it’s super tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef:
Once it’s finished cooking, use two forks to shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Mix it with the juices to keep it nice and flavorful.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
To build your gyros, take a pita or flatbread and fill it with some shredded beef. Top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, and red onion to add freshness.
7. Add the Sauce:
Drizzle some creamy tzatziki sauce over the top. If you like, sprinkle on some chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Wrap the gyro in foil for easy eating, or serve it open-faced as a delicious sandwich. Dig in and enjoy the tasty flavors of your homemade beef gyros!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can substitute it with brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose, so ensure it’s cooked until fork-tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can separate the shredded beef from the toppings to keep everything fresh. To reheat, warm the beef in the microwave or on the stove, and assemble your gyros just before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pita bread or flatbreads. You can also wrap the filling in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Enjoy your flavorful gyros without the gluten!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Gyros?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite toppings like sliced bell peppers, spinach, or even pickled vegetables for extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure not to overstuff the pita so everything stays nicely wrapped!
