Instant Pot Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce: A Flavorful Feast in Minutes

If you're craving the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine but short on time, these Instant Pot Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are the perfect solution. 

Tender, juicy beef paired with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread makes for a mouthwatering meal that's easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Beef Gyros:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Warm pita bread

• Sliced tomatoes

• Sliced red onions

• Shredded lettuce

• Feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Beef Gyros:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add olive oil and sauté the sliced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Beef and Seasonings:

   • Add the sliced beef to the pot. Season with oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.

   • Stir in the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and beef broth.

3. Pressure Cook:

   • Close the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing.'

   • Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.

   • Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.

4. Shred the Beef:

   • Remove the beef and shred it using two forks.

   • Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir it into the flavorful juices.

Making the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill.

2. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Assembling the Gyros:

1. Warm your pita bread.

2. Layer with shredded beef, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.

3. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.

4. Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

5. Fold and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Beef Gyros

• Meat Selection: Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which makes the meat tender when pressure-cooked.

• Slicing Tip: Freeze the beef for about 20 minutes before slicing to make thinner, uniform cuts.

• Flavor Boost: Marinate the beef with the seasonings for an hour before cooking for deeper flavors.

• Tzatziki Tip: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes! While beef chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness, you can also use flank steak or sirloin. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. Both the beef gyros and tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

3. Can I freeze the cooked beef? Yes, the cooked and shredded beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

4. What are some good side dishes for beef gyros? Serve your gyros with a side of Greek salad, lemon rice, or crispy oven-baked fries.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Definitely! Just swap out the pita bread for gluten-free flatbread or serve the beef and toppings over a salad.

Conclusion

Making Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights. This recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked beef with the freshness of homemade tzatziki, all ready in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these gyros are sure to be a hit!