Quick Roast Beef Gyros with Easy Tzatziki-Style Sauce

We wanted to shoot for something that was easy to make with no special grocery buys!

This clever twist on a classic gyro lets you skip the spit-roasted meat and complicated prep without sacrificing flavor. Using thin-sliced deli roast beef and a quick tzatziki-inspired sauce made from everyday ingredients, these gyros come together fast and taste like they came straight from a street cart in Athens. Perfect for a quick dinner, easy entertaining, or a satisfying late-night bite.

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Ingredients

For the Gyros:

• 1 lb thin-sliced deli roast beef (ideally rare or medium-rare)

• 4–6 soft pita or flatbreads (preferably Greek-style)

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce (optional but fresh)

• Olive oil, for brushing and warming pitas

For the Easy Tzatziki-Style Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream as a backup)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or white vinegar)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)

• 1/4 tsp dried dill or Italian seasoning (or skip if not on hand)

• 1/4 cucumber, finely grated (if none, use a pinch of sugar and extra lemon)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Make the Tzatziki-Style Sauce:
   In a bowl, stir together the yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Grate the cucumber (skin on or off, your call), squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or clean cloth, and mix it in. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside or chill while everything else comes together.

2. Warm the Roast Beef:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil, then lightly warm the roast beef slices just until heated through and slightly browned at the edges. This adds texture and a bit of charred flavor.

3. Toast the Pitas:
   Brush pitas with a little olive oil and toast them briefly in a dry skillet or warm oven until soft and pliable, with a little golden color.

4. Assemble the Gyros:
   Lay out your warmed pita. Add a generous swipe of your tzatziki-style sauce, layer on the warmed roast beef, followed by sliced tomato, red onion, and romaine if using. Add another small spoonful of sauce on top for good measure.

5. Wrap and Serve:
   Fold the gyro in half (you can wrap in foil or parchment for that authentic feel) and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips / Notes

• If your deli beef is thick, slice it thinner at home so it folds nicely.

• The sauce can be made ahead and lasts in the fridge for 3–4 days.

• No pita? Use naan, tortillas, or even toasted hamburger buns in a pinch.

• Want it extra rich? Drizzle a little olive oil or crumble some feta over the top.

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Nutritional Estimates (per gyro, assuming 6 servings)

• Calories: ~375

• Protein: 22g

• Carbs: 28g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: ~750mg