Gyros Smashed Tacos
These gyros smashed tacos combine crispy smash-style tacos with bold Mediterranean gyro flavor for a fast, fun dinner. Made with seasoned ground beef or lamb, soft tortillas, and creamy tzatziki, this easy smashed taco recipe is ready in about 25 minutes and perfect for weeknights or parties.
Ingredients
- Meat & Tacos
- 1½ pounds ground beef or lamb 80/20 recommended
- 8 –10 small flour tortillas
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- Olive oil for cooking
- Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Quick Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber grated and well-drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh dill optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, gently mix ground meat with garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and dill. Refrigerate until ready.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Place a tortilla on the hot skillet.
- Spread a thin layer of seasoned meat onto one side of the tortilla.
- Press firmly with a spatula to smash the meat into the tortilla.
- Cook meat-side down for 3–4 minutes until deeply browned and crispy.
- Flip and cook tortilla-side down for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Remove from heat and repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Rest tacos for 1 minute, then top with tzatziki, onion, tomatoes, and desired toppings.
Notes
- Keep the meat layer thin so it cooks quickly and crisps properly.
- High heat is essential—low heat will steam instead of sear.
- Drain cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
- Best eaten fresh; tortillas lose texture when frozen.