Quick Beef Gyros

Step 1

Slice the onion lengthwise from root to tip into thin strips about 1/8 inch wide, like slicing a sandwich.

Step 2

Mince the garlic until the pieces are smaller than a grain of rice—about the size of pencil-tip dots.

Step 3

Stir the Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon water, 0.25 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon pepper together in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the hot oil and break it into thumbnail-sized pieces with a wooden spoon, stirring constantly until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until the smell becomes sharp and strong.

Step 7

Stir in the onion strips and 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano, then cook, stirring once every 30 seconds, until the onions are soft and light golden, about 4 minutes.

Step 8

Taste the beef, then sprinkle with salt and pepper until it tastes savory and satisfying to you.

Step 9

Warm the pita bread in the skillet for 15 seconds on each side until it is soft and pliable.

Step 10

Lay one warm pita on a plate and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of beef and onions down the center.

Step 11

Drizzle 1.5 tablespoons of the yogurt sauce over the beef.

Step 12

Fold the pita in half around the filling and hold it seam-side down for a moment so it stays closed.

Step 13

Repeat steps 10–12 with the remaining pita, beef, and sauce to make 3 more gyros.