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The Ultimate Guide to Gyro Bowls: A Flavor-Packed Greek Delight

Gyro Bowls

Growing up, family gatherings were always centered around hearty meals that brought everyone together. One dish that never failed to make an appearance was my grandmother’s homemade gyro bowls. The aroma of spiced meatballs, the zest of lemon rice, and the coolness of tzatziki sauce evoke memories of laughter and love around the dinner table. Today, I’m sharing this cherished recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. Gather your loved ones and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece with this delightful dish.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground lamb (beef or pork can be substituted)​

  • ¼ cup minced onion​

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced​

  • 1 large egg​

  • ½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese​

  • 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning​Instagram+4Pinterest+4copymethat.com+4

  • ½ teaspoon salt​

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

For the Lemon Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice​

  • Juice of half a lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon)​

  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)​

For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:

  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced or halved​

  • 1 cup diced cucumber, drained​

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil​

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)​

Optional Garnishes:

  • Hummus​

  • Crumbled feta​

  • Chopped dill​

  • Chopped parsley​

  • Sumac​

  • Pita bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:

    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.​

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, crumbled feta, Greek seasoning, and salt. Mix gently until all ingredients are uniformly combined.​

    • Using a scoop or your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.​

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.​

  2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

    • On a cutting board, sprinkle salt over the minced garlic and mash into a paste using the back of a fork.​

    • In a medium bowl, combine the garlic paste, drained cucumber, drained yogurt, chopped mint and/or dill, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to combine. Adjust salt to taste.​

    • Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.​

  3. Prepare the Lemon Rice:

    • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, lemon juice, and salt. Stir thoroughly to incorporate. Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste.​

  4. Prepare the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:

    • In a small mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, drained cucumber, olive oil, and salt. Gently stir to combine. Adjust salt to taste.​

  5. Assemble the Gyro Bowls:

    • Divide the lemon rice evenly among serving bowls.​

    • Top the rice with meatballs, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and a portion of the cucumber & tomato salad.​

    • Add any desired garnishes such as hummus, crumbled feta, chopped herbs, sumac, or pita bread.​

    • Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.​

Notes

✅ For juicier meatballs – Don’t overmix the meat; gently combine ingredients.
✅ Draining cucumbers properly prevents watery tzatziki (see notes below).
✅ Toast the rice before cooking for extra flavor.
✅ Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier tzatziki.
✅ Marinate the meat (optional) for deeper flavor.

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