🥩 Meat & Protein

Ground Lamb Substitute for Gyros - Authentic Alternatives

Find the best ground lamb substitutes specifically for making gyros. Learn which alternatives work best for authentic Greek gyro flavor and texture.

✓

Quick Answer

For gyros, use ground beef with lamb spices (cumin, coriander, garlic, oregano) or a 70/30 blend of ground beef and ground pork. Add extra fat and traditional Greek seasonings for authentic flavor.

Best Substitutes

Ground Beef + Lamb Spices

1:1

Ground beef seasoned with traditional lamb spices creates the closest flavor profile to authentic gyro meat. The key is using the right spice blend.

Best for:

gyroskebabsGreek-style meatballssouvlaki

Best flavor match when seasoned properly with traditional gyro spices

Ground Beef + Ground Pork Blend

70% beef, 30% pork

A blend of 70% ground beef and 30% ground pork provides the ideal fat content and texture that mimics ground lamb in gyros.

Best for:

gyrosGreek meatloafstuffed vegetables

Perfect fat content and texture for gyro meat

Ground Turkey + Olive Oil

1:1 + 2 tbsp olive oil per pound

Ground turkey with added olive oil and strong Greek seasonings can work well for gyros, especially if you're looking for a leaner option.

Best for:

healthier gyrosGreek-style burgersmeatballs

Healthier option that still works well for gyros

Ground Veal

1:1

Ground veal has the closest texture to lamb and a mild flavor that works beautifully in gyros. It's more expensive but provides the most authentic experience.

Best for:

authentic gyrosfine diningwhen budget allows

Closest texture to lamb, mild flavor perfect for gyros

Ground Chicken + Lamb Spices

1:1 + extra fat

Ground chicken is very lean, so it needs added fat (olive oil or butter) and strong Greek seasonings to work well in gyros.

Best for:

healthier gyroswhen other options unavailable

Very lean, needs added fat and strong seasoning

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Essential gyro spices: cumin, coriander, garlic, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of allspice
  • 💡Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil per pound of lean meat to mimic lamb's fat content
  • 💡Let the seasoned meat rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cooking
  • 💡For authentic gyro texture, form the meat into a log and slice thinly after cooking
  • 💡Cook gyro meat on high heat to get the characteristic crispy exterior
  • 💡Traditional gyro meat includes a small amount of ground lamb fat - add a bit of pork fat if using lean substitutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices make ground beef taste like lamb in gyros?

Use cumin, coriander, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of allspice. These are the traditional spices used in Greek lamb dishes.

Can I use ground turkey for gyros?

Yes, but add olive oil (2-3 tbsp per pound) and strong Greek seasonings. Ground turkey is very lean, so it needs extra fat to mimic lamb's richness.

What's the best meat blend for gyros?

A 70/30 blend of ground beef and ground pork works best. This gives you the right fat content and texture that's closest to ground lamb.

How do I make gyro meat without a vertical rotisserie?

Form the meat into a log, bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, then slice thinly. You can also cook it in a loaf pan and slice after cooling.

Can I freeze gyro meat?

Yes, you can freeze raw seasoned gyro meat for up to 3 months, or freeze cooked gyro meat for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Summary

Discover the best ground lamb substitutes for making authentic gyros. Learn which meat blends and seasonings work best for traditional Greek gyro flavor and texture.