Gyro Smashed Tacos

Gyro smashed tacos combine seasoned beef, tzatziki, fresh vegetables, lemon, and french fries in one handheld meal. The beef cooks directly against the skillet for crispy edges while the cool toppings keep everything balanced.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Greek-Inspired

Keyword Greek tacos, ground beef tacos, gyro smashed tacos, gyro tacos, smashed tacos

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings tacos

Calories 285kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

mixing bowls (large) For Combining the seasoned beef mixture.
box grater Creates the fine onion that blends into the meat.
skillet or griddle. Provides the direct heat needed for browning.
burger press or spatula. For full contact between the meat and the skillet.

Ingredients

Gyro Meat:

1 lb (454 g) ground beef 85/15 or 80/20
½ cup (75 g) grated yellow onion
1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves
1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
½ tsp (0.5 g) dried thyme leaves
¼ tsp (0.25 g) dried rosemary leaves
1½ tsps (9 g) kosher salt
½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
½ tsp (1 g) Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes

Tacos:

Serving:

diced tomato
diced cucumber
thinly sliced red onion
cooked French fries preferably thin
chopped fresh parsley
tzatziki
lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Place a baking sheet inside to keep the finished tacos warm while you cook the remaining batches.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and Aleppo pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
1 lb (454 g) ground beef, ½ cup (75 g) grated yellow onion, 1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder, 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves, 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin, ½ tsp (0.5 g) dried thyme leaves, ¼ tsp (0.25 g) dried rosemary leaves, 1½ tsps (9 g) kosher salt, ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper, ½ tsp (1 g) Aleppo pepper
Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Press each portion into a thin, even layer on one side of a flour tortilla, spreading the meat almost to the edges.
8 street sized flour tortillas
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
cooking spray
Place a tortilla in the skillet with the meat side down. Press firmly with a spatula or burger press so the meat makes full contact with the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the meat is browned and develops crispy edges.
Flip the taco and cook for 30 to 60 seconds more, until the tortilla is warm and lightly crisped.
Transfer the taco to the warm baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Top each taco with tzatziki, tomato, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and french fries.
diced tomato, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, cooked French fries, chopped fresh parsley, tzatziki
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
lemon wedges

Notes

The meat should be spread into a thin layer for the best texture and browning.
Grated onion blends into the beef mixture more evenly than diced onion and helps keep the meat juicy.
Store toppings separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

If you’re making these Gyro Smashed Tacos, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition