Description
A vibrant and flavorful 25-minute recipe for Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls featuring spiced ground lamb, beef, or chicken served over rice with warm pitas, fresh herbs, pickled onions, and a cooling Tzatziki sauce complemented by a zesty harissa butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb, beef, or chicken
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving:
- 6 fresh pitas or naan, warmed
- 3–4 cups cooked rice
- Pickled red onion, for serving
- Lettuce, for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), for serving
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
For the Harissa Sauce:
- 1/2 cup red harissa sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground meat and chopped onions. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Simmer: Stir in the butter, garlic, sweet or smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, chipotle chili powder, and salt. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the water has evaporated and the meat mixture is well combined.
- Prepare Harissa Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the harissa sauce, melted butter, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Bowls: Arrange the warmed pitas or naan in bowls. Spoon in cooked rice, followed by a generous portion of the spiced meat mixture. Top with lettuce, fresh herbs, pickled red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the harissa butter sauce over the top to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful gyro rice bowls!
Notes
- Ground lamb enhances authenticity, but beef or chicken works well as substitutes.
- Adjust the level of chipotle chili powder and chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Use freshly cooked rice or warm leftover rice for convenience.
- For a gluten-free option, serve without pitas or substitute with gluten-free flatbread.
- Pickled red onions add a nice tangy crunch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Tzatziki, Gyro, Rice Bowl, Ground Lamb, Mediterranean, Harissa, Easy Dinner, Quick Recipe, Greek Inspired
