Homemade Gyros In The Instant Pot

Make this delicious Instant Pot Gyro Meat recipe right at home! Use your pressure cooker to get authentic-tasting gyro meat.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Gyros

I never thought I’d be able to make homemade gyro meat but I did it a while ago. But why, you ask me? Why do we need Instant Pot Gyros when we have a perfectly good recipe to make them in the oven RIGHT HERE where I posted it last time?

Well, we don’t NEED it made in the Instant Pot. But why not try it and see if it’s better? So I made it. Kinda like climbing a mountain just because it’s there.

So here’s my verdict. The meat looks better if cooked in the oven, but it tastes much better when cooked in the Instant Pot. Moist, tender, and very easy to eat. But I will tell you, it looks like one big, messy, gray lump. When I took it out of the Instant Pot, I really began to question my wisdom in cooking what is essentially a meatloaf in an Instant Pot. I mean, look at it! But honestly, I think I’d do it again.

Home made gyro meat made in your Instant Pot. Using your pressure cooker to get authentic-tasting gyro meat is a game changer! - 2

Do You Have To Use Lamb?

Traditionally, these are made with lamb, or lamb and beef. We had two issues with this.

One, I have one son who refuses to eat lamb because “They’re too cute to eat.” (??) Two, the lamb was $9.99/pounds. and I was too cheap to risk that on a dish that might not have worked. Besides, there was some lovely ground pork sitting right next to it for $3.49/pounds.

I totally get that it’s close to heresy to make a middle-eastern dish eaten originally by Muslims and Jews using Pork. I do, I get it! But see two reasons above. So you can make it with lamb or pork and it will all taste delicious.

One thing I did differently from the last time I made it, was to ask the butcher to grind the beef for me. The grinding of the meat is the WORST part of this recipe. So messy and just…ick. They can’t re-grind lamb or pork at my grocery store because of cross-contamination, but I find that ground pork is pretty finely ground anyway, and simply having them grind the beef again makes it a pretty fine mixture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound Lean Ground Beef - Provides a hearty, rich foundation for the gyro meat. Asking your butcher to re-grind it helps achieve a finer texture, mimicking the dense, sliceable consistency of traditional gyro.
1 pound Ground Pork or Ground Lamb - Adds fat, moisture, and authentic flavor. Lamb gives the gyro its classic Mediterranean taste, while pork adds juiciness and a milder richness if preferred.
1 Red Onion - Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and savory depth. When blended with the meat, it helps keep the gyro tender while contributing aromatic flavor.
6 cloves Garlic - Provides a robust, earthy aroma and enhances the savory Mediterranean character of the dish.
2 teaspoons Ground Marjoram - Brings a floral, slightly citrusy note that balances the richness of the meat and ties the flavors together.
2 teaspoons Dried Rosemary - Adds an earthy, pine-like aroma that enhances the depth and authenticity of the seasoning blend.
2 teaspoons Dried Oregano - Contributes a bold, slightly peppery and herbal flavor that’s essential in Greek cooking, giving the gyro its signature Mediterranean taste.
2 teaspoons Salt - Enhances all the savory flavors and helps the meat mixture bind together for a firm, cohesive texture.
2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper - Adds mild heat and sharpness, balancing the herbs and rounding out the overall seasoning profile.

How To Make Beef Gyros

So here are the steps:

Mix the spices into the meats, shape it into a loaf shape
Cook it in an Instant Pot, and then weight it down
Cut into thin, long, slices and enjoy.

I made a 1 pound loaf to see if it would work so mine is smaller than yours will be, but don’t make it thicker than that, or if you do, adjust the time.

Homemade Tzatziki sauce with greek yogurt is a refreshing side to home made gyros - 3

Tips And Tricks

Making Instant Pot Gyro Meat at home is a delicious way to recreate the authentic Mediterranean flavors of your favorite restaurant right in your kitchen. The Instant Pot makes it tender, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make it turn out perfectly every time:

Use a Mix of Meats . Combining lean ground beef with lamb or pork adds the right balance of flavor and fat. This keeps the gyro meat juicy and prevents it from drying out.
Blend Aromatics Thoroughly . Process the onions, garlic, and herbs into a smooth paste before mixing with the meat. This ensures even flavor distribution throughout every bite.
Press the Meat Firmly . When forming the gyro mixture in the Instant Pot-safe dish or pan, press it down tightly. A compact mixture creates the traditional dense texture found in gyro slices.

Variations

There are several delicious variations for making Instant Pot Gyro Meat, allowing you to tailor the flavors and ingredients to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to switch it up:

All-Lamb - For the most authentic Mediterranean flavor, use all lamb instead of mixing with beef or pork. It creates a rich, slightly gamey taste that’s classic in Greek cuisine.
Beef-Only - If you prefer a milder, less fatty option, use 100% lean ground beef. It still turns out flavorful, especially when well-seasoned and seared at the end.
Chicken Gyro - Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter, leaner version. You may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture.
Spicy - Increase the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of harissa paste to the seasoning mix.

What To Eat With Homemade Gyros

Serve this Instant Pot Gyro Recipe with homemade Tzatziki , 5-minute Hummus or a Pressure Cooker Hummus made from dried chickpeas. You could also make a lovely Kushari, a rice and lentils mix very quickly in your Instant Pot.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot gyro meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days when kept in an airtight container.

Allow the meat to cool completely before sealing it to prevent excess moisture from building up, which can affect texture and flavor.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, you can freeze gyro meat for up to 3 months. Slice the cooked meat and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet, air fryer, or oven until warmed through.

If you love this Instant Pot Gyros recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can enjoy it too!