Lamb Meatball Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spiced lamb meatballs nestled in warm pita bread with creamy tzatziki and tangy pickled red onions. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 37 minutes pairs ground lamb, small, finely grated onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 finely grated small onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then form into 16 small meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While the meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and squeezed dry cucumber, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: For pickled onions, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add 1/2 thinly sliced red onion and let sit for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on each warmed pita bread, top with 4 lamb meatballs, and garnish with pickled onions. Fold and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamb Meatball Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lamb Meatball Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb Meatball Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lamb Meatball Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lamb Meatball Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Onions?

Greek lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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