Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

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These low-carb Greek Gyro Meatballs taste just like the meat in a Gyro sandwich. This recipe is suitable for low-carb, ketogenic, Atkins, gluten-free, diabetic, and Banting diets.

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I have always loved gyro meat. What’s not to love? First of all, thesavory herbs, garlic and spices are intoxicating. In addition, it’s easy to turn gyro meat into a low-carb meal–just serve it on a salad instead of with the traditional pita. While I love gyro meat, I recently found out that it can contain fillers like MSG, starches, and even gluten. Because of this, I decided to try to recreate that gyro meat flavor, but without these unwelcome ingredients. While this recipe isn’t quite traditional, as the conventional recipe calls for roasting the meat for hours on a rotisserie, I love knowing every ingredient that goes in.

In this recipe, I decided to shape the seasoned ground meat into meatballs. Meatballs are super-versatile. Stick them with a toothpick and serve them as an appetizer, toss them on the top of a salad to make a complete meal, or serve them in a lettuce wrap to go sandwich style. In addition, meatballs cook quickly so the shape is a true time saver.

I love serving these Greek Gyro Meatballs with anything mediterranean. Some of my favorite additions include Tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, black olives, pepperoncini, and cucumbers,

I’m convinced that when the Greeks created gyro meat, they must have been thinking about making atreat for the Gods. These little meatballs are versatile savory treats. Enjoy!

-Annissa

Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (5)

When you want to eat something light yet filling, this Low-Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe is the perfect solution. It’s quick and easy to whip up that it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. ❤️😋

Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (6)

5 from 1 vote

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Greek Gyro Meatballs

These low-carb Gyro Meatballs taste just like the meat in a Gyro. This recipe is suitable for low-carb, ketogenic, Atkins, gluten-free, diabetic, and Banting diets.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4

Author Annissa Slusher

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 Tablespoons red onion minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Place ground meat, garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, marjoram, thyme, onion, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Mix or knead together. I find using clean hands, instead of a spoon, works best for this step.

  2. Form the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.

  3. Heat a heavy large skillet over medium high heat. Melt butter or coconut oil in the pan.

  4. Add meatballs, making sure they do not touch. If your pan is too small to cook all of the meatballs without touching, do this step in batches.

  5. Brown meatballs on all sides then sprinkle lightly with salt. Turn heat to low to cook the meatballs throughout.

  6. Remove meatballs from the pan to a plate with a paper towel.

Recipe Notes

Makes about 16 meatballs. Serving size: 4 meatballs

Per serving:
Calories: 237
Fat (g): 15
Carbs (g): 2
Fiber (g): 1
Protein (g): 24
Net carbs (g): 1

  1. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (8)

    Deanna on February 5, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    I love gyros! These have to be amazing!! I want make some for tonight’ big game 🙂

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (9)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 5, 2017 at 5:52 pm

      These would be great game food!

      Reply

      • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (10)

        John on November 5, 2022 at 7:07 pm

        Wow, I really enjoyed this recipe. I served them with ripe tomatoes, lettuce and yellow onions topped with homemade tzatziki sauce and hot chili sauce, all the makings of a gyro. I highly recommend.

        Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (12)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 5, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks! Gyros are one of my favorites too!

      Reply

  2. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (13)

    Jane Saunders on February 5, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    Loving all of the herbs you’ve included. I need to get myself some of those colourful picks and serve these up to my family.

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (14)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 6, 2017 at 11:44 am

      I love adding lots of herbs to my recipes. Herbs make everything a little tastier!

      Reply

  3. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (15)

    Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake on February 5, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    Those look so good. I grew up outside Detroit and as a result have a penchant for anything gyro-inspired. I bet these would be great in spiralized pasta!

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (16)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 5, 2017 at 5:48 pm

      Rebecca, I think these would be great in spiralized veggie pasta! Yum!

      Reply

  4. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (17)

    Chris on February 5, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    These were delicious!

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (18)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 5, 2017 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks for trying them!

      Reply

  5. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (19)

    Geoffrey on February 5, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    I love, love, LOVE gyros. I just emailed your recipe to Carlos so he can make it for me. I cant wait

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (20)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 5, 2017 at 5:50 pm

      I hope you enjoy them!

      Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (21)

      Cindy on December 31, 2022 at 9:02 am

      Can these be made in a crock pot?

      Reply

  6. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (23)

    Jo Anne on March 23, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    These meatballs live up to the name on the recipe….especially if lamb is used. These were so good and a lot easier to make than I had anticipated. I even made the Tzatziki sauce to go with them which put the meatballs over the top delicious.

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (24)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on March 23, 2017 at 11:48 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I love the sauce with them!

      Reply

  7. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (25)

    Ashleigh on December 2, 2017 at 4:33 am

    Sauce?? I am hoping to make this with my egg noodles recipe but I need a suitable sauce. Any great ideas?? I would really appreciate the help because I don’t know how to cook at all.

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (26)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on December 2, 2017 at 11:20 am

      Ashleigh,
      These would be good with the gravy from the sausage gravy recipe. Just omit the sausage part of the recipe and substitute fresh oregano, thyme, and/or rosemary.I also love them with my Tzatziki Sauce, but maybe not with egg noodles.
      Good luck!
      Annissa

      Reply

  8. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (27)

    Kim on January 17, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Any idea how long to cook the meatballs on low? TIA!

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (28)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on January 17, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      Kim,
      I cook the meatballs on low until they are cooked all the way through. You can judge the doneness in the center be pushing on the meatball with a spatula. If it squishes, it is less done, if it is firm, it is more done. If you aren’t sure, you can cut into one (be sure you don’t damage your pan) and look at the middle. I hesitate to give a specific amount of time as it can very depending on the stove, type of pan and such. Good luck!

      Reply

  9. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (29)

    Nancy Wall on March 29, 2018 at 5:14 pm

    Made these with ground turkey. Texture was spot on as was the taste! Will be keeping this one for sure.

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (30)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on March 31, 2018 at 8:17 am

      Thanks for letting us know how it went! Glad you enjoyed them!

      Annissa

      Reply

  10. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (31)

    Margaret on June 9, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    These were delicious. We had them in pita pockets with homemade yogurt dill sauce, tomatoes&cucumbers topped with feta and sprinkled with lemon juice, lettuce and red onion. Also baked in the oven at 400 for 25 minutes instead of sautéed.

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (32)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on June 10, 2018 at 9:44 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed them!
      -Annissa

      Reply

  11. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (33)

    Sue Buchanan on October 13, 2018 at 8:00 am

    These are awesome. Will definitely be making these again.

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (34)

      Annissa on October 14, 2018 at 11:14 am

      Thanks!
      -Annissa

      Reply

  12. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (35)

    John D Karas on March 31, 2020 at 8:42 am

    Surprised no mint or crushed tomatoes. Must be Greek American 🙂 but sure they are good. OPA!

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (36)

      Annissa Slusher on April 1, 2020 at 9:40 pm

      Sorry, John. I was not blessed with a Greek grandmother to teach me how to cook. I do have some mint in the tzatziki sauce on the blog. Glad you enjoyed them!
      -Annissa

      Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (37)

      Susan on October 1, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Yero meat does not contain mint or crushed Tomatoes, I was married to a Greek and got all of his mothers recipes, she knows what she’s talking about, I made these they were very good love the tzatziki sauce with them

      Reply

      • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (38)

        Annissa Slusher on October 1, 2020 at 10:41 pm

        Thanks, Susan!
        -Annissa

        Reply

  13. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (39)

    Susan on May 7, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    Wow, these are really easy and very delicious.
    I used half lamb and half hamburg. I made them a little smaller and bake them at 450 degrees. Blotted, salted them and used a store bought taziki sauce. Delish!

    Reply

  14. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (40)

    Donna on June 9, 2020 at 5:31 pm

    Has anyone tried baking these instead of pan frying?

    Reply

  15. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (41)

    LadyJ on July 11, 2020 at 9:18 am

    Amazing! I love gyros but I also recently found out about the fillers in gyro meat – after I spent 3 days sick after eating some. I cannot have gluten and I paid dearly for it. Now I can have these anytime I want and they taste sooooooo good! My problem is trying to keep some on hand to freeze for later because I keep eating them every time I make them! I love serving with tzaki sauce over zoodles – yummy! Thank you for sharing = )

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (42)

      Annissa Slusher on July 11, 2020 at 12:49 pm

      Sorry about your experience with hidden gluten in gyro meat. Glad these worked out for you, though!
      -Annissa

      Reply

  16. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (43)

    Lisa on October 1, 2020 at 9:48 am

    Those look delicious!

    Reply

  17. Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (44)

    Baljit on February 10, 2021 at 7:30 pm

    Hi instead of beef or lamb can I use chicken or turky thanks

    Reply

    • Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (45)

      Annissa Slusher on February 10, 2021 at 11:36 pm

      Yes. Either one would work. Of cy, the taste will be different, but the recipe should still work.

      -Annissa

      Reply

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Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Is gyro meat healthy for weight loss? ›

Helps Manage Weight

As well as this, the high protein content in gyro meat can help to boost your metabolism, which can help to burn fat more efficiently. Gyro meat is also low in carbohydrates, so it won't spike up your blood sugar levels, which is ideal for those on a keto diet.

Why are gyros unhealthy? ›

One of the main concerns about gyro meat is its relatively high fat content, especially when made with lamb or a combination of lamb and beef. Saturated fat, in particular, increases LDL cholesterol levels and elevates the risk of heart disease. However, this issue can be mitigated by choosing leaner meat options.

Is a gyro keto-friendly? ›

Given the content of lamb meat, the gyro sandwich is perfect for your keto diet. As mentioned above, the gyro meat is rich in protein and low in calories but is a little high in fat content.

Is gyro meat processed or processed? ›

processed meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (The.

Are Greek gyros fattening? ›

Gyros is a well-balanced meal that includes a variety of essential nutrients. Depending on the meat used, Gyros can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. The meat is usually marinated in Greek herbs and spices, which not only enhances its flavor but also offers numerous health benefits.

How many carbs are in tzatziki sauce? ›

Tzatziki sauce (yogurt and cucumber) (2 tablespoon) contains 1.4g total carbs, 1.2g net carbs, 1.3g fat, 0.7g protein, and 19 calories.

Are gyros bad for your heart? ›

While gyros are often criticized for their high-fat content, not all fats are equal. The fats found in gyros are mostly unsaturated, which are considered healthy fats. Unsaturated fats are known to lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve brain function.

How many carbs are in a gyro? ›

Gyro Sandwich (1 gyro) contains 73.7g total carbs, 69.8g net carbs, 12.2g fat, 44.2g protein, and 593 calories.

Does gyro meat have carbs or sugar? ›

Gyro meat, beef and lamb (2 ounce) contains 5.1g total carbs, 4.6g net carbs, 16.6g fat, 9.2g protein, and 209 calories.

What is the healthiest gyro? ›

Choose Leaner Meats

Traditional gyros are made with lamb or pork, but you can also use chicken, turkey, or beef. This is great if you want to make healthier versions of the gyros, as some cuts of meat are loaded with fat.

Is tzatziki ok on a keto diet? ›

Yes, Tzatziki is keto-friendly, with low net carbs and a wealth of nutritional benefits. Tzatziki offers gut-friendly probiotics and heart-healthy fats, along with essential vitamins from cucumbers. It's versatile and can be used as a dip, dressing, or condiment in your keto meals.

How many carbs in a gyro with tzatziki sauce? ›

Honor Health Grilled Gyro With Tzatziki Sauce (1 serving) contains 73g total carbs, 69g net carbs, 24g fat, 20g protein, and 610 calories.

What's healthier, gyro meat or chicken? ›

Generally, chicken is a lean meat that is a good source of protein, low in fat (especially if you choose skinless, white meat), and it provides essential nutrients. Gyro meat, traditionally made with a mixture of ground meat (often lamb or beef), fat, and seasonings, tends to be higher in saturated fat.

What is authentic gyro meat made of? ›

In this traditional kebab dish, the lamb is seasoned, pressed into a cylinder, and continuously rotated until fully cooked. When the lamb is too lean, layers of fat are sometimes added. Lamb is the most common and traditional meat used in Gyros.

Is the Greek gyro from Arby's real lamb? ›

Arby's Traditional Greek Gyro features a blend of beef, lamb and Mediterranean spices sliced from a spit rotisserie and placed on a warm flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce and Greek seasoning.

Does gyro meat have a lot of calories? ›

Gyro meat, beef and lamb (2 ounce) contains 5.1g total carbs, 4.6g net carbs, 16.6g fat, 9.2g protein, and 209 calories.

Is a gyro sandwich unhealthy? ›

While gyros are not the healthiest of all foods, they are certainly a great dish to satisfy your cravings for meat, whilst keeping your health in check. Gyros are among the best sandwiches in the world and eating them gives you a great flavorful experience without having to spend so much for lunch.

How fatty is gyro meat? ›

Although there are no carbs in gyro meat, and it has some vitamins and trace minerals, it does contain 11 grams of fat. Lamb also has a high saturated fat content, the Cleveland Clinic points out.

How many calories are in 4 ounces of gyro meat? ›

The Perfect Pita Gyro Meat, 4 oz (1 Serving) contains 4g total carbs, 4g net carbs, 16g fat, 8g protein, and 200 calories.

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