These Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are packed with juicy, tender beef and tasty spices. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day!
Believe me, the smell will have your mouth watering long before it’s time to eat. I love serving mine with fresh veggies and a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender after hours of cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with beef round roast, but it may not be as juicy.
Onion: A yellow onion works best in this recipe for its sweetness when cooked. If you’re in a pinch, you can use white or red onions as alternatives, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the dish. If you’re out of fresh cloves, substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove, but fresh is definitely more flavorful!
Spices: The combination of oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika is key to the gyro flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do, but it won’t bring the same smokiness. Don’t skip the spices; they make this dish!
Pita Bread: While traditional, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought tzatziki is convenient, but homemade can be fresher. For a quick substitute, mix Greek yogurt with shredded cucumber, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
How Do I Shred Beef Perfectly?
Shredding beef can seem tricky, but it’s easy when you know the steps. After the beef is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes for easier handling. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- With one fork, hold the beef in place, while using the other fork to pull and shred.
- Shred in the direction of the grain for the best texture.
Once shredded, mix it back into the delicious juices in the slow cooker for extra flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
For Assembly:
- 8 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can let the slow cooker do its magic! Cooking time is around 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. Perfect for an easy dinner with hardly any fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will add great flavor to the beef as it cooks.
2. Season the Beef:
In a small bowl, mix together the dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the beef chuck roast. Don’t be shy—get all the sides well-seasoned!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Next, place the seasoned beef on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth and red wine vinegar over the beef. This will help keep everything moist and flavorful while cooking.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Let the aromas fill your kitchen!
5. Shred the Beef:
Once your beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker with all those delicious juices. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
6. Assemble Your Gyros:
To put together the gyros, take a pita bread and place a generous amount of the shredded beef in the center. Top off with diced cucumber, tomatoes, chopped red onion, and a handful of lettuce.
7. Add Toppings:
Drizzle some tzatziki sauce over the top of the meat and veggies. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top for that extra touch of flavor.
8. Wrap and Serve:
Wrap the pita around all the tasty fillings, and your homemade Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are ready to enjoy! Serve immediately and savor each bite!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner cut, you can use brisket or flank steak instead of beef chuck roast. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness. However, chuck roast is ideal for shredding since it becomes beautifully tender during slow cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to balance the acidity, mix in a teaspoon of honey or sugar. This will still keep the flavor profile delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! For an extra kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the spice mixture before rubbing it on the beef. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or banana peppers into the gyro assembly for a spicy touch!
