Lamb Meatball Gyro with Mint Yogurt Sauce

This Lamb Meatball Gyro is a twist the classic gyro made with spiced lamb meatballs and a cool, creamy mint yogurt sauce.

When it comes to a lunch or a light dinner, a gyro always hits the spot. It has everything you need. The fluffy pita bread. The fresh veggies and garnishes. The protein whether it’s meat or falafel. It really is a flavor explosion.

Traditionally, gyros are made with meat that is roasted on a vertical rotisserie, shaved and then served wrapped or stuffed into a pita. This version is a bit different in that instead of roasted, thinly sliced meat, this gyro is loaded with spiced lamb meatballs. You get all of the delicious Mediterranean flavor in a recipe that’s easy to make at home

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it. 

Lamb Meatball Gyro Ingredients: 

This recipe is essentially broken up into two different recipes: the meatballs and the mint yogurt sauce. The other ingredients you’ll need are the standard gyro fare: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and pita bread. 

To make the meatballs you’ll need: 

• LAMB: Like any meatball recipe, you’ll need ground meat for these meatballs. Ground lamb should be relatively easy to find. If there isn’t any in the meat case, check the frozen section, I’ve had luck there too. Or simply ask your butcher. 
• PLAIN BREAD CRUMBS/EGG: The combination of the two will help bind the meatballs so they stay together. 
• CILANTRO: Adds a lemony/peppery taste. I know some people have an aversion to it and you can leave it out if you like. 
• ONION: Make sure that you mince the onion fine so that you don’t have large pieces of onion in the meatballs. 
• CUMIN: Adds a warm, smoky flavor. 
• CLOVES: Adds a pungent sweet flavor that pairs really well with lamb. 
• SALT
• OLIVE OIL: This will help the meatballs brown as they cook in the oven. 

To make the Mint Yogurt Sauce: 

• GREEK YOGURT: I prefer to use full fat yogurt. It adds more flavor and is creamier than it’s fat free counterpart. 
• GARLIC: I am a huge garlic fan but trust me for this recipe you only want to use one small clove. Because the garlic in this recipe is raw, you want to make sure you don’t over power the flavor of the sauce with garlic. 
• FRESH MINT: Adds a cool sweet flavor to the sauce. 
• LEMON JUICE: Adds a bit of acidity and brightness. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions

Making these Lamb Meatball Gyros is super simple! And the sauce couldn’t be easier. Just follow along with these step by step photos and instructions if you need a visual guide. 

• STEP #1: Whisk all of the ingredients for the sauce together. Doing this first will give the flavors a chance to meld while you’re making the meatballs. 
• STEP #2: In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs. Mix just until combined. Try not to overwork the mixture or the meatballs will become tough. 
• STEP #3: Roll into about 15 evenly sized meatballs. Place in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Bake. 
• STEP #4: Assemble the gyros. Warm the pita bread, if desired. Top with 3 – 4 meatballs, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers and mint yogurt sauce. Serve. 

These Lamb Meatball Gyros make a great lunch or light dinner. And if you don’t want the “gyro” part, place toothpicks into the meatballs and serve the dipping sauce alongside for an easy party appetizer.

If you loved these lamb meatballs, try these other meatball recipes:

Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a classic for a reason!

Meatballs in Mushroom Cream Sauce are the ultimate comfort food.

Try these Baked Turkey Meatballs for a light dinner option!

Note: Originally published in 2010. Updated in 2024 with new photos, step by step instructions, an improved recipe and nutrition information.