25-Minute Low-Carb Gyros Bowl

This 25-Minute Low-Carb Gyros Bowl is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the bold, savory flavors of traditional Greek gyros — with a healthy twist. Made with a flavorful ground beef and lamb mixture, these gyro-inspired meatballs are served on crisp romaine lettuce with classic toppings like tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, and homemade tzatziki sauce. A great low-carb and gluten-free meal that comes together quickly, perfect for weeknights or meal prep!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • ½ lb lean ground beef

  • 1 lb ground lamb

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

  • 1½ teaspoons salt

  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 10 oz plain Greek yogurt

  • 1 small cucumber, diced

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Romaine lettuce leaves

  • Red onion, sliced

  • Roma tomatoes, sliced

  • Feta cheese, crumbled

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. In a food processor, combine all meatball mixture ingredients. Process for 2 minutes until well combined.

  3. Scoop into small meatballs using a cookie scoop and place on a rack over a baking sheet.

  4. Bake for 10 minutes or until fully cooked through.

  5. Meanwhile, mix all tzatziki sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

  6. To serve, place romaine leaves on plates and top with meatballs, sliced onions, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: 324 kcal

  • Total Fat: 22 g

  • Saturated Fat: 9 g

  • Cholesterol: 82 mg

  • Sodium: 669 mg

  • Potassium: 399 mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 3 g

  • Sugar: 1 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0–1 g

  • Protein: 25 g

  • Vitamin A: 115 IU

  • Vitamin C: 1.5 mg

  • Calcium: 82 mg

  • Iron: 2.3 mg

A Modern Twist on a Greek Classic

Gyros are a beloved part of Greek cuisine, typically served with slices of seasoned meat wrapped in pita and topped with tangy yogurt sauce and crisp vegetables. This low-carb gyros bowl keeps the essence of the original while swapping the starchy wrap for fresh romaine lettuce, allowing you to enjoy all the flavor without the added carbs.

Instead of shaved meat from a vertical rotisserie, this recipe takes a shortcut using a ground lamb and beef mixture, seasoned with oregano, garlic, and spices. These ingredients are pulsed into a fine texture in the food processor and formed into meatballs that cook quickly in the oven. The result? All the flavor of slow-roasted gyro meat, ready in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Gyros Bowl

This recipe delivers so much more than just great taste. It’s packed with health benefits, incredibly easy to make, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here’s why it belongs in your regular meal rotation:

It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
The recipe is low in carbs (just 3g per serving) and gluten-free, ideal for keto, diabetic-friendly, and gluten-sensitive diets.
It uses real, whole ingredients that are easy to find and prep in advance.
The meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and rich in protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
You can prep the meatballs and tzatziki in advance, making it ideal for meal planning.
It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for beginner cooks.
The bowl format allows for easy customizations, from veggie swaps to different protein options.

A Nutrient-Rich, Satisfying Meal Without the Carbs

Nutritionally, this gyros bowl is a powerhouse. Each serving delivers 324 calories with 25 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs, making it a fantastic option for low-carb eaters. The protein-rich lamb and beef blend not only satisfies hunger but also provides essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and zinc — critical for energy, immune support, and muscle function.

The homemade tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt and cucumber, adds probiotics and calcium while providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory meat. Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, while garlic and oregano bring antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Romaine lettuce replaces the pita as the base, lowering the carbohydrate content and adding crunch and hydration. Paired with tomatoes, red onions, and feta, the final bowl is rich in flavor, fiber, vitamins A and C, and healthy fats.

Rich Mediterranean Flavor in Every Bite

At the heart of this dish is the meatball mixture — a blend of ground lamb and beef that’s generously seasoned with oregano, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The food processor helps create a cohesive, gyro-like texture, and the short bake time ensures the meatballs remain moist and flavorful.

The tzatziki sauce is another standout. Made with thick Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, fresh garlic, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper, it’s creamy, tangy, and cooling. It cuts through the richness of the meat and adds a layer of freshness that makes each bite balanced and satisfying.

The combination of textures — the crispy lettuce, juicy meatballs, creamy sauce, and crunchy onions — turns every forkful into a flavorful, satisfying experience.

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners or Meal Prep

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to meal prep. The meatballs can be made ahead, stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or even frozen. The tzatziki sauce can be made 2–3 days in advance and actually tastes better as it sits and the flavors meld. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowls with fresh lettuce and toppings and reheat the meatballs — no fuss, no last-minute cooking stress.

For families or dinner parties, this bowl also makes a fun build-your-own-meal option. Set out the components buffet-style and let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite toppings and sauce amount. It’s quick, healthy, and interactive.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This gyros bowl is endlessly customizable based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Try one of these variations:

Swap proteins: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even falafel for a vegetarian version.
Add crunch: Top with chopped cucumbers or kalamata olives.
Go dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt for the tzatziki and omit the feta.
Add grains (for non-low-carb diets): Serve over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Try sauces: Add a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing or spicy harissa for a different flavor profile.

This bowl also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a simple Greek salad, or roasted cauliflower for a heartier meal.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t skip the food processor. It gives the meatballs their authentic, dense-yet-tender texture.
Use fresh garlic and dried oregano — the combination adds bold flavor without being overpowering.
Let the meatballs rest briefly after baking to retain juices and flavor.
Strain your cucumber or squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the tzatziki for a thicker sauce.
Serve immediately after assembling to keep the lettuce crisp and the flavors fresh.

Conclusion

This 25-Minute Low-Carb Gyros Bowl is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. With rich Mediterranean flavor, tender meatballs, and creamy tzatziki, this recipe satisfies cravings for something hearty and comforting while staying light and clean. It’s a true celebration of traditional Greek cuisine reimagined for today’s health-conscious cook.

Whether you’re following a low-carb plan, looking for a fresh weeknight dinner idea, or simply want to add more vegetables and flavor to your plate, this dish has everything you need: convenience, nutrition, bold taste, and total satisfaction.

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