Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs ground lamb (or 1 lb ground beef 80/20 and 0.5 lb ground pork)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 large English cucumber, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 6 large Greek-style pita breads
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • Fresh romaine lettuce, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out all liquid thoroughly. In a bowl, mix the strained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill immediately.
  2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the grated onion and thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture.
  3. Combine Meat Ingredients: Add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, pepper, and cinnamon to the bowl.
  4. Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Form the mixture into a compact, slightly rounded loaf shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Shape and Chill: Cover the meat loaf and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the structure to firm up.
  6. Bake the Meat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meat loaf for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest and Slice: Remove the meat from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Using a very sharp knife, slice the loaf thinly against the grain (about 1/8 inch thick).
  8. Crisp the Slices: Return the thin slices to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the edges are slightly browned and crispy.
  9. Warm the Pitas: Warm the pitas briefly on a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable.
  10. Assemble the Gyros: Place a portion of the sliced meat onto a warmed pita. Top generously with sliced tomatoes, red onions, shredded lettuce, and a hearty dollop of chilled tzatziki. Wrap and serve immediately.