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Traditional Gyro Meat

Enjoy each bite wrapped in warm pita, topped with creamy tzatziki and fresh tomatoes. While the preparation may seem lengthy, most of the time is hands-off, allowing the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 9

Ingredients
  

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • ½ medium onion cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme

Instructions
 

  • Prepare all ingredients, including preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C) and greasing a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • In a food processor, pulse the onion into a fine chop, using about five one-second pulses. Place the chopped onion onto a towel, gather the towel ends, and squeeze out any excess moisture.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed onion, lamb, beef, garlic, oregano, cumin, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and sea salt. Blend thoroughly with your hands until well mixed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
  • Once chilled, transfer the meat mixture in batches to a food processor and pulse each batch for about 1 minute, until the texture becomes tacky and uniform.
  • Press the processed meat mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring there are no air pockets. Place a damp towel in a medium roasting pan and position the loaf pan in the center. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads at least 160°F (70°C), indicating doneness.
  • Carefully drain any fat from the pan, allow the meat to cool slightly, then slice thinly.
  • Serve the gyro meat warm and enjoy.
Keyword Traditional Gyro Meat