25-Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls Recipe
Introduction
This 25 Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal that combines juicy spiced meat with cool, creamy tzatziki and zesty harissa sauce. It’s a perfect quick dinner that brings the taste of Mediterranean street food right to your table.
Ingredients
- 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
- 6 fresh pitas or naan, warmed
- 3-4 cups cooked rice
- Pickled red onion, lettuce, and fresh herbs for serving
- Tzatziki, for serving
- 1/2 cup red harissa sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground meat and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the butter, garlic, sweet or smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, chipotle chili powder, and salt. Pour in 1/2 cup water, then cook for 2 to 5 minutes until the water evaporates and the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Step 3: While the meat cooks, prepare the harissa sauce by mixing the harissa, melted butter, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 4: To assemble, place warmed pita or naan in each bowl. Spoon a serving of rice over the bread, then top with a generous portion of the spiced meat.
- Step 5: Add pickled red onion, lettuce, and fresh herbs on top, followed by a good dollop of tzatziki. Drizzle with the harissa sauce as desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option, or stick with lamb for traditional flavor.
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb or protein boost.
- Make your own tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for fresh flavor.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chipotle chili powder and chili flakes in the harissa.
- Warm the pitas or naan gently in a dry skillet or oven for a soft, fresh texture.
Storage
Store leftover cooked meat and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Harissa sauce and tzatziki can also be refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat meat and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble with fresh toppings to maintain texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked meat such as roasted or grilled lamb or chicken. Simply warm it through with the spices and butter in the skillet to infuse the flavors before assembling the bowls.
Is harissa sauce spicy?
Harissa typically has a moderate heat level, but its spiciness can vary by brand or recipe. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or reduce the harissa to suit your preference.
Print
25-Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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
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
