Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (2024)

By Lisa MarcAurele · · 17 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Did you know that homemade gyro meat is easy to make using a simple recipe? Many commercial versions aren't keto-friendly because they use bread crumbs. But this delicious recipe is low-carb and gluten-free!

Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (1)
Article Index
  • Step By Step
  • What is gyro meat?
  • Is the meat keto friendly?
  • Other Recipes to Try
  • Gyro Recipe
  • Recipe

Gyros have become a popular dish in America. They’re available in many restaurants and also considered a new kind of fast food.

Unfortunately, typical American version contains hidden carbs and gluten. That’s why I prefer to make a simple homemade gyro meat recipe!

The process is so simple. Just mix the ingredients in a mixing bowl, blender, or food processor. Then transfer everything to a loaf pan and bake until it’s ready!

The recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or to satisfy your craving for Greek take-out.

Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (2)

Step By Step

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps. All you have to do is mix and bake!

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, ground lamb, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, pork rind crumbs, rosemary, ground thyme, dried oregano, ground coriander, and salt and pepper.
Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (3)
  1. Using a paddle attachment, blend the ingredients on high until the mixture forms a sticky paste. You can also use a food processor or blender for this step.
  2. Transfer to a well-greased loaf pan. Press the meat mixture into the bottom.
  3. Place in the oven and bake at 325°F for 55 minutes.
  4. Remove from the oven, drain any excess liquid or fat from the loaf pan, then let the loaf cool for 15 minutes.
Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (4)
  1. Cut the loaf into thin slices. If you prefer crispier meat, place the slices under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes.

Your homemade gyro meat is ready to enjoy! Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve with a side of keto tzatziki sauce.

What is gyro meat?

Wondering what kind of meat is in a gyro? The answer depends on where you’re ordering from!

Traditional gyros from Greece are often made with pork. But typically, the Americanized version uses finely ground beef and lamb instead. You’ll often see a pork version as a separate option on the menu.

So how is the meat made?

The name comes from the Greek word for “turn.” This is because the meat is often cooked on a vertical rotisserie. If you’ve ever gone into a Greek restaurant, you may have seen this process.

But since most of us don’t have one of those at home, I decided to make my homemade version in the oven instead.

Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (5)

Is the meat keto friendly?

Meat is commonly suggested as an easy keto take-out option. But most commercial gyro meat is made with bread crumbs!

That’s why I’m wary about ordering certain main dishes from restaurants. Unless you’re able to ask them specifically what’s in the recipe, you won’t know for sure if it’s keto friendly.

To keep carbs low in this recipe, I substituted the bread crumbs for crushed pork rinds. It’s a simple switch that still gives us that perfect gyro texture.

Plus it means this homemade version is low-carb and gluten-free!

Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (6)

Other Recipes to Try

Looking for some more delicious keto meal ideas? Check out a few of these favorites:

  • Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines all the classic flavors of this comfort food without the carbs!
  • Fried Cabbage with Sausage is a one pan skillet dinner that’s great to whip up on a busy weeknight.
  • Dry Rub Chicken Wings are oven-baked to perfection and flavored with an easy blend of spices!
  • Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry with broccoli is easy to make for a paleo, keto, and low-carb friendly dish.
  • Keto Ground Beef Stroganoff comes together in one pan for a quick and delicious dinner packed with flavor!

Gyro Recipe

Whether you’re craving Greek take-out or just looking for a fun and easy dinner, definitely try this gyro meat recipe. Prep only takes minutes and it’s packed with delicious flavor!

You can certainly enjoy this dish all on its own. Or you could make low carb wraps with coconut flour tortillas and keto tzatziki sauce!Serve with a side of my keto hummus for a full Greek take-out experience.

Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

Recipe

Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (7)

Homemade Gyro Meat

4.93 from 14 votes

It's so easy to make your own keto friendly meat for gyros! Many commercial versions use breadcrumbs, but this delicious recipe is low-carb and gluten-free!

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:55 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek

Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe

Servings: 6

Calories: 365

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Lean ground beef
  • 1 lb. Ground lamb
  • 4 tsp. Minced garlic
  • ¼ cup Finely chopped red onion
  • 1 oz. Pork rinds pulsed into crumbs
  • 1 tsp. Rosemary
  • 2 tsp. Ground thyme
  • 1 Tbsp. Dried oregano
  • ½ tsp. Ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish if desired

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the ground parsley. Blend the ingredients on high with a paddle attachment until the mixture forms a sort of sticky paste. If you do not have a paddle attachment for your mixer, you can use a blender or food processor to accomplish this as well.

  • Press the meat mixture into the bottom of a well greased loaf pan, and bake for 55 minutes.

  • Drain any excess liquid or fat from the loaf pan, and let the loaf cool for 15 minutes.

  • Thinly slice the loaf, and heat the slices under a broiler on high for 2-3 minutes if a more dried and crispy gyro meat is desired.

  • Top with freshly chopped parsley as garnish if desired, and serve.

Notes

Serve in keto-friendly wraps like low-carb tortillas or on top of salads.

Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

Nutrition

Calories: 365 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 6mg

Additional Info

Net Carbs: 3g | % Carbs: 3.5% | % Protein: 36.9% | % Fat: 59.7% | SmartPoints: 11

Notes on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Copyright

© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tricia

    This came out so beautiful that I took a picture

    Reply

  2. Tricia

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (8)
    I will make this again but will lessen Rosemary otherwise it was delicious and keto Tajiki was great. Easy and great keto meal

  3. jennifer

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (9)
    Yikes, I didn't know most gyro meat had bread crumbs - in fact, I wan't 100% sure what kind of meat(s) it was -- great idea to swap for the ground pork rinds.

    Reply

  4. Donny

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (10)
    I had no idea it was this easy! Thanks!

    Reply

  5. Megan Stevens

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (11)
    We love eating gyro when we go to the Middle East. This is a genius idea and recipe! Thank you!! It's so nice to have it at home, and such an easy recipe! 🙂

    Reply

  6. Kelly

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (12)
    So good! Tender, juicy and flavorful!

    Reply

  7. BETTY HICKSON

    Hi Lisa,

    I would like to thank you very much for all the wonderful recipes you send. My husband stays on a no carb diet (diabetes, heart problems) I have not tried any recipes yet, but they sure look good, and will be doing so. I don't do the no carb or sugar free, but I certainly welcome the tasty foods that are not loaded with sugar, carbs, fat, etc. It is a blessing to keep these things at bay for all of us. Just wanted to say thanks again, and I will be following you and cooking up recipes of yours. Also, thanks for quickly sending replies to questions about your recipes, sometimes answers are needed pretty quick.

    Reply

    • Lisa MarcAurele

      You're welcome Betty! Hope the recipes work out for you.

      Reply

  8. Astrid

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (13)
    I adore Greek food but can't always make it to the restaurant or fairs. I am definitely trying this recipe. Looks scrumptious, thanks for putting this together. Can't wait!!!

    Reply

  9. Jean Choi

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (14)
    Would never have thought to use pork rinds, but what a great idea! Tastes like the real deal!!

    Reply

  10. Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (15)
    Mmmm this looks delicious. I don't eat lamb, so will make it with pork and beef ~ Do you think that this will work? The combination of herb/spices is sure to make a winning result! Thanks.. Always looking for new ideas.

    Reply

    • Lisa MarcAurele

      Pork and beef will work. It just has a slightly different taste.

      Reply

  11. Steve

    Which did you use, baked or fried pork rinds?

    Reply

    • Lisa MarcAurele

      Either are fine to use in the recipe. My favorite brands to use are Epic (baked) or Small Batch (fried) pork rinds.

      Reply

  12. LadyJ

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (16)
    Oh my, this is so good! I found out (the hard way) about gyro meat not being gluten-free after spending 3 days sick from eating some gyro meat. Lesson learned the hard way! So I was excited to see this recipe and I had to try it. I made mine into meatballs and cooked them in the oven. I served it some whipped feta dip and it was AMAZING! Now I don't have to miss having my gyros when the craving hits. Thank you for sharing = )

    Reply

  13. Lisa

    A delicious recipe!

    Reply

  14. Hope

    Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (17)
    Love how this meat is exactly like what you would get from a restaurant - thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Homemade Gyro Meat Recipe (Keto) (2024)

FAQs

Is gyro meat OK on keto? ›

Gyro meat is also low in carbohydrates, so it won't spike up your blood sugar levels, which is ideal for those on a keto diet. Gyro meat's low carbohydrate content can help to manage blood sugar levels.

How many carbs are in gyro meat only? ›

Gyro meat, beef and lamb (2 ounce) contains 5.1g total carbs, 4.6g net carbs, 16.6g fat, 9.2g protein, and 209 calories.

How does gyro meat stick together? ›

Processing the meat in the food processor and overworking it ensures that the proteins in the meat stick together, like sausage. Essentially, this prevents the meat from falling apart.

What is a good substitute for gyro meat? ›

Beef flank steak: While traditional gyros are made with lamb, beef is a wonderful, crowd-pleasing alternative. Cucumber: Peel, grate, and strain this before incorporating into your tzatziki sauce so the condiment doesn't get too watery.

Is tzatziki OK on keto diet? ›

Yes, Tzatziki is keto-friendly, with low net carbs and a wealth of nutritional benefits. Tzatziki offers gut-friendly probiotics and heart-healthy fats, along with essential vitamins from cucumbers. It's versatile and can be used as a dip, dressing, or condiment in your keto meals.

How many carbs in a gyro with tzatziki sauce? ›

Honor Health Grilled Gyro With Tzatziki Sauce (1 serving) contains 73g total carbs, 69g net carbs, 24g fat, 20g protein, and 610 calories.

Is gyro meat very unhealthy? ›

One of the main concerns about gyro meat is its relatively high fat content, especially when made with lamb or a combination of lamb and beef. Saturated fat, in particular, increases LDL cholesterol levels and elevates the risk of heart disease. However, this issue can be mitigated by choosing leaner meat options.

How healthy is gyro meat? ›

Typical gyro meat contains a lot of protein, carrying around 25 grams of it in a serving. Gyros are a healthy option because they can make you feel full even when you consume a small amount. Plus, so many vitamins and minerals make gyro meat a healthy dish that is capable of maintaining the body's energy.

How many carbs are in tzatziki sauce? ›

Tzatziki sauce (yogurt and cucumber) (2 tablespoon) contains 1.4g total carbs, 1.2g net carbs, 1.3g fat, 0.7g protein, and 19 calories.

How is gyro meat made from scratch? ›

It is typically made with ground lamb and/or ground beef (and sometimes chicken), onion, garlic, oregano, and other spices. This recipe adds bacon for texture and flavor and uses a convenient, but non-traditional cooking method.

What is authentic gyro meat made of? ›

In this traditional kebab dish, the lamb is seasoned, pressed into a cylinder, and continuously rotated until fully cooked. When the lamb is too lean, layers of fat are sometimes added. Lamb is the most common and traditional meat used in Gyros.

What is Arby's gyro meat made of? ›

Arby's Traditional Greek Gyro features a blend of beef, lamb and Mediterranean spices sliced from a spit rotisserie and placed on a warm flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce and Greek seasoning.

Which is healthier gyro or chicken? ›

Generally, chicken is a lean meat that is a good source of protein, low in fat (especially if you choose skinless, white meat), and it provides essential nutrients. Gyro meat, traditionally made with a mixture of ground meat (often lamb or beef), fat, and seasonings, tends to be higher in saturated fat.

What is the most common gyro meat? ›

Generally it is pork gyro meat, tzatziki, tomato wedges, thin strips of red onion, and french fries all wrapped up in a piece of pita bread. There's a lot of variations, and the idea of a “traditional” gyro is up for debate.

What is the difference between gyro and Greek gyro? ›

Traditional Greek gyro is made from pork, while the American version of the dish typically consists of lamb, beef, or a scrumptious assortment of the two. Both versions are then stuffed between two fluffy blankets of pita bread and topped with tomato, onion, and a yogurt sauce called tzatziki.

Does gyros meat have carbs? ›

Gyro meat doesn't have carbs. According to the USDA, the gyro sandwich may contain about a hundred gram serving of lamb meat, which may have 217 calories and 26 grams of protein. One notable aspect is that it has zero carbs.

Is gyro meat considered processed? ›

Contrary to popular belief, authentic Greek gyros are NOT processed meat. Traditionally, gyros are made from slices of marinated chicken, or lamb, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slow-cooked to perfection.

Is beef gyro unhealthy? ›

Gyro meat, traditionally made with a mixture of ground meat (often lamb or beef), fat, and seasonings, tends to be higher in saturated fat. However, if made with leaner meats and in moderation, it can still be a part of a balanced diet.

Is gyro meat a processed food? ›

processed meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (The.

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