Gyro-Style Smash Burger Tacos

Smash Burger Tacos have been everywhere lately after going viral on TikTok and for good reason. The idea of smashing seasoned beef onto flour tortillas, or in my case a pita, and cooking until crispy, is simple, fun and so delicious.

With my love for Mediterranean flavors and after spending time traveling through Greece, I knew I had to create my own Greek-inspired twist. These Gyro-Style Smashed Burger Tacos combines a crispy smash burger on pita with bold flavors of a traditional gyro. The ground beef is seasoned with warm spices like paprika and cumin, smashed into a hot skillet or grilled, and topped with fresh ingredients like tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta and fresh herbs. This is my kids favorite weeknight meal and it is so easy to make!

• beef: I always go with lean ground beef when I make my beef patty, so the pita shell doesn’t get too greasy. For this recipe, I use 93/7 lean but you can also do 80/20 for more fat and flavor just keep in mind it might get a bit greasy on the pita.
• spices: the spice mixture for the smash burgers is oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder. You could also add Greek seasoning or Italian seasoning.
• pita: you can use any brand of pita you like. The thicker pita works nicely with the smash burger and all of the Greek ingredients.
• gyro toppings: I like to add romaine lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, dill, red onion, pepperoncini, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce but you can add any of your favorite ingredients or just make a Greek orzo style salad and add that as a topping.

Ways to Modify this Recipe

• classic big mac smash burger: make your smash burger a classic with shredded iceberg lettuce, melted cheddar cheese, tomatoes slices and red onion.
• swap protein: try ground lamb for a more traditional gyro or you could use ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option.
• low-carb: swap the pita for lettuce wraps or you can serve the smash burger and ingredients over a bowl of shredded romaine lettuce.
• spice it up: add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper or a drizzle of spicy harissa.
• vegetarian: make them vegetarian by use smashed chickpeas in the patties or a ground plant-based ground meat alternative.
• sauces: swap tzatziki with Lebanese hummus, whipped feta, baba ghanoush, tahini garlic sauce, creamy dill sauce or tahini yogurt dressing.

Smash Burger Pro Tip: Some people like to buy a Cast Iron Smash Burger Press to make sure their smash burgers are thin and crispy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create Beef Mixture: In a large bowl add the ground beef, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Using your hands mix the beef mixture until combined. Set aside.

What to Serve with these Smashed Burger Tacos

• salads: I love adding Mediterranean salads to the side like this Easy Lebanese Salad, Greek Cabbage Salad, Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad), Greek Chickpea Salad or this Greek Village Salad.
• vegetables: serve veggies on the side like these Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, Lebanese Vegetables, Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower or these Za’atar Roasted Carrots.
• toppings: add additional toppings like pickled red onions, pickled vegetables, oven roasted tomatoes, marinated tomatoes, lemon marinated olives or crispy chickpeas.

Storage Instructions

• Store the leftover smash burgers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat you can heat quickly in a skillet, air fryer or microwave.
• To freeze you can form 2-4 ounce balls of ground beef rather than flat patties. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet to flash freeze them for about 2 hours. Transfer them into a freezer safe bag, removing all air. Keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use them, defrost in the fridge. Once defrosted you can smash them into flat patties and cook.