Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl Recipe

The Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl is a feast for the senses and truly brings the Mediterranean to your kitchen in one glorious bowl. Tender lamb meatballs nestle into fluffy rice, while tangy tzatziki and creamy hummus layer on flavor and comfort. Vibrant cucumber-tomato salsa brings a burst of freshness, and everything comes together with crumbled feta and soft, warm pita. Not only does each bite feel like a getaway to a Greek taverna, but this dish packs a hearty dose of protein, color, and soul-satisfying taste—an irresistible dinner or lunch that’s wonderfully simple to build at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these simple yet powerful ingredients—the key to a Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl lies in the balance of juicy, savory meat, cooling sauces, and bright veggies. Each addition plays a part, giving you aromatic taste, vibrant color, and that signature gyro feeling in every forkful.

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef or turkey): The star of your bowl—choose lamb for classic Greek flair, or swap for beef or turkey for a lighter twist.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the meatballs with a warm, aromatic kick.
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped: Red onion brings a hint of sweetness and beautiful color to the meatballs.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Essential for that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
• 1/2 tsp cumin: Adds gentle earthiness, rounding out the meaty flavor.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Never underestimate the power of a perfect seasoning.
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: A touch of saltiness plus a subtle creamy tang right inside the meatballs.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the meat juicy and adds richness to the mix.
• 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice: Fluffy rice forms the ultimate base for a satisfying, texture-rich gyro bowl.
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce: This yogurt-cucumber dip cools and brightens each bite—homemade or store-bought, both work!
• 1 cup hummus: Adds creamy, nutty depth and a hearty layer of plant-powered protein.
• 1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp cucumber brings a refreshing crunch to the salsa.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy tomatoes pop with sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: For even more flavor and a little bite in your salsa.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens up the veggies with zingy, fresh acidity.
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkled atop for a salty, creamy finish.
• Warm pita bread for serving: The perfect vehicle for scooping and savoring every last bit.
• Fresh dill for garnish: Classic Greek herb for a pop of green and delicate, herby aroma.

How to Make Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start your Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl adventure by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Taking these first steps means you’re already halfway to savoring all those incredible Mediterranean flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Magic

In a mixing bowl, bring together the ground lamb, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, crumbled feta, and olive oil. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined—try not to overwork the meat so your gyro meatballs stay perfectly tender, not tough.

Step 3: Roll and Bake

Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, arranging them on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown, sizzling meatballs—juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and absolutely packed with flavor.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cucumber-Tomato Salsa

While the meatballs bake, grab a bowl and toss together the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, lemon juice, and extra feta. This quick salsa is the fresh, juicy contrast that really sets your Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl apart—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Now comes the fun part! Start with a fluffy bed of cooked rice in each bowl, then create generous swirls of tzatziki and hummus along the sides. Pile on a scoop of cucumber-tomato salsa, nestle in those golden meatballs, and finish with pita bread. This is your masterpiece—let your creativity shine!

How to Serve Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl

Garnishes

Put the finishing touch on your Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl with a shower of fresh dill, a few extra crumbles of feta if you like, and perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon. These little flourishes wake up all the flavors and make your bowl truly Instagram-worthy.

Side Dishes

While your bowl honestly carries the meal, you can round it out with a side of crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a handful of olives. If you’re entertaining, offer extra pita chips or marinated artichokes for snacking while everyone admires your beautiful bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging all the gyro bowl components on a large platter so everyone can build their own masterpiece, mezze-style. For a fun twist, make mini bowls in small ramekins for parties or pack components separately for on-the-go lunches that stay fresh until assembly. The vibrant colors and playful assembly make Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl a guaranteed showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any components of your Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl separately in airtight containers. Meatballs, rice, sauces, and veggies all last well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Keeping things apart helps preserve the texture and flavor, making leftovers just as tempting as the first serving.

Freezing

The cooked lamb meatballs freeze like a dream—simply let them cool, pack them into freezer-safe bags, and store for up to two months. When it comes to the other toppings like salsa, rice, or sauces, fresh is best, as freezing can affect texture and freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop meatballs in the microwave or gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. Rice can be warmed the same way. For best results, add tzatziki, hummus, and salsa only after reheating to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat for the gyro bowl?

Absolutely! The Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl is fabulous with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken if you want to switch things up or use what you have on hand. You’ll still get that lovely Mediterranean flavor, with just a subtle twist depending on your protein.

Is there a vegetarian version of this gyro bowl?

Definitely! Swap the lamb meatballs for falafel, roasted chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based meatballs. Layer them in with all the toppings and you’ll have a vegetarian Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl that’s just as hearty and satisfying.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Both basmati and jasmine rice are fantastic choices because they’re fluffy and fragrant, but you can use any rice you love or even swap for a quinoa or cauliflower rice base for a lighter spin. Just make sure it’s cooked and fluffed for ultimate bowl-building.

How do I make homemade tzatziki for the bowl?

Stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out extra liquid), minced garlic, a pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh dill. Tzatziki comes together in minutes and adds a refreshing, creamy element to your Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl.

Can I meal-prep these gyro bowls for the week?

Yes! Prepare all the components ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Just assemble when you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl any day, with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting, nourishing, and bursting with Mediterranean magic, you’ll fall in love with this Fully-Loaded Gyro Bowl. It’s endlessly customizable and such a celebration to make—perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a homemade hero; I promise you’ll want to make this gyro bowl again and again!

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