Gyro-Style Smash Burger Tacos

Name: Gyro-Style Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 garlic cloves (grated); 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pitas; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini; 1/4 cup feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped red onion; 2 tablespoons chopped dill; 1/4 teaspoon tzatziki sauce; Juice from a lemon

Gyro-Style Smash Burger Tacos combines crispy, juicy smash burgers with bold Mediterranean flavors of a classic gyro. Seasoned ground beef is smashed onto warm pitas and topped with fresh Greek style veggies and creamy tzatziki for an easy and flavor packed meal. These fun tacos come together quickly and make a perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love!

Prep20 min
Cook10 min
Total30 min
Makes4 servings
Calories360

Ingredients

4 servings

For the smash burgers:

1 pound lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves (grated)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the gyro tacos:

4 pitas
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/4 cup feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped dill
1/4 teaspoon tzatziki sauce
Juice from a lemon

Method

1
In a large bowl add the ground beef, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Using your hands mix the beef mixture until combined. Set aside.
2
Next, in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, add the pita shells. Cook one side for 3 minutes and remove.
3
Make four beef patties and place each one on the uncooked side of the pita. Spread the meat to completely cover the pita.
4
Cook the burger on a very hot cast iron skillet or grilled and press it down firmly right away when it hits the pan. Use a flat spatula (metal is best) or the back of a skillet and press firmly and evenly for a few seconds. The direct contact with the hot surface creates those signature crispy edges. You can use parchment paper between the beef and the spatula to prevent sticking. Let the beef patty cook for 2-3 minutes undisturbed. Flip once and let cook for another 1-2 minutes or until cooked through. Remove the beef pita from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
5
Top each pita with Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, dill, red onion, pepperoncini, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and a squeeze lemon juice.

Notes

Make-ahead: The beef is best cooked when you are ready to serve because of the crisp edges but you can prep all of the toppings ahead of time and the tzatziki sauce. Store the leftover smash burgers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat you can heat quickly in a skillet, air fryer or microwave. To freeze you can form 2-4 ounce ground beef into loose balls rather than flat patties. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet to flash freeze them for about 2 hours. Transfer them into a freezer safe bag, removing all air. Keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use them, defrost in the fridge. Once defrosted you can smash them into flat patties and cook. Cook the burger on a very hot cast iron skillet or grilled and press it down firmly right away when it hits the pan. Use a flat spatula (metal is best) or the back of a skillet and press firmly and evenly for a few seconds. The direct contact with the hot surface creates those signature crispy edges. You can use parchment paper between the beef and the spatula to prevent sticking.