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Slow Cooker Beef Gyros

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Enjoy rich, savory beef slowly cooked with onion, garlic, lemon, and oregano until tender enough to shred. Nestle the flavorful beef in warm pita bread, then pile on bright toppings—diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, shredded lettuce—and a generous spoonful of cool, creamy tzatziki. The slow cooker ensures every bite is infused with Mediterranean-inspired seasoning while saving effort in the kitchen. Customize each serving with your favorite vegetables for a fresh finish. Perfect for busy days, gatherings, or family dinners, these gyros offer satisfying, layered flavor with minimal fuss.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:31:33 GMT
A wrap with meat and vegetables on a table. Pin it
A wrap with meat and vegetables on a table. | gracefulflavors.com

This slow cooker beef gyro recipe makes dinner effortless yet impressive The beef slowly simmers with lemon herbs and garlic until it becomes so tender you can shred it with a fork The end result is a crowdpleaser that needs only a warm pita and fresh toppings to shine

My family goes wild for these beef gyros on busy weeknights and we always end up with happy leftovers for lunch

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Facilitates browning and keeps the meat moist If possible use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor
  • Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth Go for a firm onion with glossy purple skin for best results
  • Beef chuck roast: It turns meltingly tender after hours in the slow cooker Look for marbling throughout for juicy results
  • Garlic: Brings a punch of savory flavor Fresh garlic cloves will give the most aromatic result
  • Lemons: The juice brightens and tenderizes the beef Squeeze out every drop for best taste
  • Dried oregano: Provides a classic Greek note Use a fresh jar for maximum aroma
  • Salt: Brings all the flavors together Choose kosher or sea salt for a cleaner taste
  • Black pepper: Adds heat and rounds out the seasoning Fresh cracked pepper makes a difference
  • Greek-style pitas: These are thicker and better for holding fillings Warm them before serving
  • Diced red onion Diced tomatoes Diced cucumber Shredded lettuce: Crisp veggies add crunch and brightness Choose ripe and firm produce for best gyros
  • Tzatziki sauce: This creamy sauce cools and balances the beef with tangy yogurt and cucumber Get the best thick Greek yogurt you can find

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker:
Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of your slow cooker so the beef does not stick and the onions can caramelize slightly
Layer aromatics:
Scatter the sliced red onions evenly in the bottom so they can infuse the beef with sweetness as it cooks
Add the beef and season:
Nestle the beef chuck roast chunks onto the onions then sprinkle over the minced garlic Drizzle the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle oregano salt and black pepper directly over the meat so every bite gets seasoned
Slow cook to perfection:
Place the lid securely on and set to low for eight hours This long slow braise turns the beef irresistibly tender
Shred the beef:
Remove the lid and use two forks to pull the beef into shreds right in the slow cooker so all the juices soak in
Warm the pitas:
Heat your pitas on a dry skillet or over a flame until they are soft and slightly charred on the edges for that restaurant touch
Assemble your gyros:
Use a slotted spoon to pile the juicy beef onto the warmed pita Top generously with diced veggies lettuce and a good dollop of tzatziki
A plate of food with a wrap and a bowl of vegetables. Pin it
A plate of food with a wrap and a bowl of vegetables. | gracefulflavors.com

I cannot get enough of the fresh cucumber in my gyro It is so refreshing and crunching into it reminds me of the noisy happy family dinners we have on summer evenings with everyone reaching for their favorite toppings

Storage Tips

Leftover shredded beef keeps well for up to five days in an airtight container in the refrigerator Freeze portions for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge The filling tastes just as good reheated and you can enjoy it in bowls salads or wraps

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have beef chuck roast you can try pork shoulder or even boneless skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option For dairyfree eaters swap in a cashewbased spread instead of tzatziki If you want extra tang swap half the lemon juice for red wine vinegar

Serving Suggestions

Serve your gyros with extra lemon wedges on the side and a big Greek salad Try adding grilled peppers or crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor Warm pita is a must for the best texture

A variety of foods are displayed on a table, including a wrap, a bowl of vegetables, and a bowl of meat. Pin it
A variety of foods are displayed on a table, including a wrap, a bowl of vegetables, and a bowl of meat. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Context

Gyros capture the spirit of Greek street food and family gatherings traditionally made with meat roasted over a spit This slow cooker version makes it totally approachable at home bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your own kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of beef works best for gyros in a slow cooker?

Beef chuck roast is ideal as it becomes tender and easy to shred after slow cooking, absorbing flavors beautifully.

→ Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?

Yes, chop veggies and prepare tzatziki beforehand. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for easy assembly.

→ How should I warm the pita bread for serving?

Brush pitas lightly with olive oil and heat each side in a skillet for 10–15 seconds to add a delicious char.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The cooked beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Fresh toppings should be added after thawing.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with beef gyros?

Try serving with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, or seasoned rice to complement the savory flavors and textures.

Slow Cooker Beef Gyros

Slow-cooked beef with herbs, served in pitas with crisp veggies and smooth tzatziki for a hearty family meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
480 Minutes
Total Time
490 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 assembled gyros)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the beef

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 red onion, sliced
03 1.4–1.8 kg (3–4 lbs) beef chuck roast, cut into 5–7 cm (2–3 inch) chunks
04 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 Juice of 2 lemons
06 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ For assembly

09 8 Greek-style pita breads
10 Diced red onion
11 Diced tomatoes
12 Diced cucumber
13 Shredded lettuce
14 Tzatziki sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of the slow cooker and evenly distribute the sliced red onion on top.

Step 02

Arrange beef chuck pieces over the onions. Scatter minced garlic over the beef and season with lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 04

Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the beef directly in the cooker.

Step 05

If desired, warm pita breads by brushing lightly with olive oil and charring both sides in a skillet over medium-high heat for 10–15 seconds per side.

Step 06

Using a slotted spoon, serve shredded beef onto warm pitas. Top with diced onion, tomatoes, cucumber, shredded lettuce, and tzatziki sauce as desired.

Notes

  1. Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
  • Skillet
  • Two forks
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten in pita bread and dairy in traditional tzatziki.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 354
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 33 g