
Pot Roast Gyros turn classic comfort food into a fun hands-on meal where everyone gets to build their own wrap. Slow-cooked beef chuck roast is loaded with flavor and stays incredibly tender inside pillowy pita bread, finished with all your favorite Greek-inspired toppings. This fusion makes family dinners feel relaxed and special at the same time.
I love making these gyros after a weekend pot roast dinner when I have extra beef on hand. The first time I served them, my family declared gyros night a new tradition and everyone wanted to help assemble their perfect bite.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: gives rich flavor and shreds beautifully after slow cooking look for a piece with even marbling for best results
- Olive oil: helps brown the meat and brings savory undertones choose extra virgin for the best taste
- Onion: brings sweetness and depth pick a firm onion with shiny skin
- Fresh garlic: rounds out the savory flavor mince finely for maximum impact
- Beef broth: keeps the meat moist and intensifies the savory factor choose a low sodium version for better control
- Red wine vinegar: brightens the beef and cuts richness opt for a quality vinegar for balanced acidity
- Dried oregano: adds herby notes choose Greek oregano for an authentic touch
- Ground cumin: deepens the dish with earthy warmth try to use fresh, fragrant cumin for real depth
- Salt and pepper: essentials for seasoning taste as you go for perfect balance
- Pita bread: acts as a handy, fluffy vessel look for soft, pliable pitas in the bakery section
- Tzatziki sauce: cooling and creamy buy or make with thick yogurt and fresh cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes: juicy pops of freshness halve them for easy eating and always pick ripe, firm tomatoes
- Red onion: thinly sliced to bring zippy crunch and color use a sharp knife for very thin cuts
- Feta cheese: salty tangy and creamy pick sheep’s milk feta for a richer flavor if possible
- Fresh parsley or dill: for a green finish and herby fragrance I like to snip fresh herbs right before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Beef:
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry and sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. This builds a flavorful crust and starts the seasoning from the inside out.
- Brown the Roast:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the roast on each side until it has a deep golden crust about three to four minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds rich flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker so they infuse the broth with aromatics as the meat cooks.
- Add Ingredients and Start Cooking:
- Lay the browned beef roast on top of the onions and garlic. Pour in beef broth and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle dried oregano and cumin over everything. Cover the slow cooker and set to low for eight hours or high for about five hours. The long gentle cooking will make the meat fork tender.
- Shred and Soak:
- When the beef is done transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to gently pull the beef into strings. Return the shredded beef to the cooker to soak up all the cooking juices for at least five minutes.
- Warm the Pita:
- While the beef rests heat your pita bread in a dry skillet or wrap in a towel and pop into the microwave for a few seconds. This gives you soft pliable bread for folding.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay warm pita on a plate. Spoon a generous mound of shredded beef down the center. Top with a swirl of creamy tzatziki, a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumble feta over the top. Add fresh herbs for color and brightness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Fold the pita over the filling or wrap in parchment for easier eating. Serve immediately while the fillings are hot and juicy.

Feta cheese always takes these gyros to another level for me. My kids love helping sprinkle on the cheese and fresh herbs. Some of our best laughs have been around the table building our own gyros just the way we like.
Storage Tips
Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, cool completely and pack in freezer-friendly bags for up to two months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to revive tenderness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Instead of beef chuck you can use brisket or pork shoulder for a slightly different texture. Greek yogurt can stand in for tzatziki if you do not have any on hand, and naan makes a great substitute for pita bread. For a dairy free version skip the feta or use a plant based option.
Serving Suggestions
Pot Roast Gyros are a full meal, but I love to add a simple Greek salad or roasted potatoes on the side. They are also delicious with a squeeze of lemon and extra chili flakes if you like things spicy.

Cultural Context
While traditional gyros are made with lamb or chicken cooked on a spit, this recipe leans into the slow cooked flavors of classic American pot roast while celebrating the herbs and fresh toppings of Greek street food. It is the best of both worlds for a family style fusion feast.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or round roast works well, though chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness after slow cooking.
- → How do I keep the pita bread soft?
Warm pita gently in a skillet or microwave and store it covered with a towel to maintain softness before assembling.
- → What toppings pair best with the beef?
Tzatziki, fresh cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta enhance both flavor and texture.
- → Is there a low-carb alternative to pita?
Yes, use large lettuce leaves or collard greens as a wrap for a lighter, gluten-free option.
- → How spicy can I make it?
Add a dash of harissa or your favorite hot sauce to the shredded beef for a bolder kick.