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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
