25-Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls Recipe

Introduction

These 25 Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls bring the vibrant flavors of a classic gyro into a quick and satisfying rice bowl. With seasoned ground meat, fresh herbs, and zesty tzatziki, they make a perfect weeknight meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

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 (for harissa sauce)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for harissa sauce)
• Chili flakes, for seasoning harissa sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground meat and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned—about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon butter, garlic, sweet or smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, chipotle chili powder, and salt to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup water, then cook another 2 to 5 minutes until the water evaporates and the spices coat the meat well.
3. Step 3: While the meat cooks, prepare the harissa sauce by combining red harissa, melted butter, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
4. Step 4: To assemble the bowls, place warmed pitas or naan at the base. Spoon cooked rice over the bread, then add the seasoned meat. Top with pickled red onion, fresh lettuce, herbs, and generous dollops of tzatziki.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the prepared harissa sauce over the bowls as desired for a spicy, tangy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version, or keep lamb for richer flavor.
• Swap fresh herbs like parsley and mint to add brightness to the bowl.
• Try serving over couscous or quinoa instead of rice for a different texture.
• Add diced cucumber or tomatoes for extra freshness and crunch.
• Make the harissa sauce milder by reducing chili flakes if you prefer less heat.

Storage

Store leftover cooked meat and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki and harissa sauce separate to maintain freshness. Reheat meat and rice gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Add fresh toppings and sauces after reheating for the best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, store-bought tzatziki works perfectly and saves time. Choose a high-quality brand or make your own if you have time.

What can I substitute for harissa sauce?

If you don’t have harissa, try a spicy chili paste or a blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, and a bit of cayenne pepper mixed with olive oil and lemon juice for a similar flavor.

25-Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This 25 Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls recipe blends the rich flavors of spiced ground lamb, beef, or chicken, with fresh herbs, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Enhanced with a vibrant red harissa sauce and quick-cooked rice, this dish brings the classic gyro into a wholesome, flavorful rice bowl perfect for a fast and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 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

Rice and Bread

• 3–4 cups cooked rice
• 6 fresh pitas or naan, warmed

Toppings

• Pickled red onion, for serving
• Lettuce, for serving
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), for serving
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving

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

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Instructions

1. Cook the meat mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and chopped yellow onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add spices and simmer: Stir in the butter, chopped garlic, sweet or smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, chipotle chili powder, and salt. Pour in 1/2 cup of water to deglaze the pan and stir. Continue cooking for 2 to 5 minutes until the water evaporates and the spice mixture coats the meat evenly.
3. Prepare the harissa sauce: In a small bowl, combine the red harissa sauce, melted butter, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt. Mix well to balance heat and tang.
4. Assemble the bowls: Arrange warm pita or naan bread in serving bowls. Spoon 3/4 to 1 cup of cooked rice over the bread. Top the rice with a generous portion of the spiced meat mixture.
5. Add fresh toppings: Garnish with pickled red onions, fresh lettuce, and herbs to add freshness and crunch. Spoon ample tzatziki sauce over the top for creaminess.
6. Finish with harissa: Drizzle the prepared harissa sauce over the bowl to give a spicy, smoky kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute the ground meat with your choice of protein or use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version, but adjust seasoning as needed.
• Cook rice ahead of time for convenience; warm before assembling the bowls.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chipotle chili powder and chili flakes.
• Pickled red onions can be made in advance by soaking sliced onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
• The harissa sauce can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of chili flakes and lemon juice.
• Serve with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping or added creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: tzatziki gyro rice bowl, lamb gyro bowl, Greek rice bowl, easy gyro recipe, quick meal, ground lamb recipe, harissa sauce, Mediterranean bowl