Pot Roast Gyros (Crockpot - No oven/stovetop)

These are delicious and perfect for summer (or any time of year) since the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting - no need to turn on the oven or stovetop in this heat.

Pot Roast Gyros

Ingredients (serves ~6)

• 1 white onion, sliced

• Garlic options:

  • 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Spice blend:

  • 1 tablespoon smoked or sweet paprika

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  • Thyme options:

    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

    • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 4 pound chuck roast

• 1 cup Beef broth (can also use vegetable or chicken broth/stock)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• To assemble:

  • Fresh pitas or naan, warmed

  • Lettuce, shredded or whole leaves

  • Homemade pickled red onion (recipe below)

  • Homemade tzatziki (recipe below) or use plain yogurt, mayo, or store-bought tzatziki to save time

  • Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

1. Place sliced onion and garlic (or substitute) in the bottom of the crock pot.

2. Mix paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, cayenne (if using), and salt. Rub the roast all over with this spice blend. Place the roast on top of the onions.

3. Pour beef broth, oil, and lemon juice into the crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours until the roast is fall-apart tender.

4. Remove the roast and shred with two forks.

5. Set the crock pot to HIGH and stir in olive oil. Let the sauce cook until slightly thickened. Return shredded beef to the sauce and toss to coat.

6. Warm pitas or naan, then layer in beef, pickled red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and fresh dill. Serve immediately.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

1. Thinly slice 1 medium red onion.

2. Place in a jar and pour over 1/2 cup vinegar (white, apple cider, or red wine), 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar or honey, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for best flavor. Keeps for up to 2 weeks.

Easy Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek for thicker texture), or use mayo if preferred

• 1/2 English cucumber, grated and drained

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (or jarred minced)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh dill, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Combine yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. For convenience, use store-bought tzatziki or mix dill, lemon and garlic into plain yogurt or mayo.

Estimated nutrition information per serving (8 servings):

• Calories: ~816 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~40.6 g

• Fat: ~40.3 g

• Protein: ~66.5 g

• Fibre: ~3.0 g

• Sugar: ~3.9 g

Swaps for a lighter version:

• Olive oil: Reduce from 2 tbsp to 1 tbsp.

• Beef roast: Use an extra lean cut (about 200 kcal, 10 g fat, 28 g protein per 100 g).

• Tzatziki: Use reduced-fat tzatziki (about 50 kcal, 3 g fat per 100 g).

• Pita/naan: Use a lower-calorie option (about 100 kcal for a 60 g serving).

Estimated nutrition per serving (8 servings):

• Calories: ~612 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~27.2 g

• Fat: ~26.8 g

• Protein: ~69.7 g

• Fibre: ~3.6 g

• Sugar: ~3.7 g

Felicia Newell is a Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, Food and Nutrition Expert, Health Coach, and proud mom of four. She is also the owner of Sustain Nutrition/FN Health.

Felicia knows firsthand what it’s like to juggle a busy life while trying to stay healthy in an environment that doesn’t always make it easy. The world of health and wellness can be overwhelming, full of mixed messages and misinformation - and she’s passionate about helping people cut through the noise. Her mission is to guide clients in navigating life and health with clarity, confidence, and enjoyment.

With more than 12 years of education and experience in Nutritional Sciences, Felicia brings both expertise and empathy to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, has worked at a leading research centre, taught university courses, and served in various healthcare roles. Over the years, she’s helped countless individuals achieve their health and wellness goals through evidence-based nutrition counselling that fits their real lives.

As a busy mom herself, Felicia understands the challenges her clients face and offers practical, sustainable strategies to support long-term success. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health, manage a condition, or simply feel your best, Felicia has the skills, knowledge, and dedication to help you get there - on your terms.