Savory Lamb Gyro with Fresh Tzatziki Sauce

1. Prepare Meat Mixture

Combine the ground lamb, salt, black pepper, and fresh oregano leaves in a bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the ingredients are well incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

2. Strain Yogurt

Place the yogurt in a fine-mesh strainer set over a small bowl and refrigerate for about an hour to drain excess liquid.

3. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

4. Process Meat Mixture

Transfer the rested meat mixture to a food processor along with the onion, sliced garlic, and slab bacon. Process for about a minute until it forms a smooth purée.

5. Bake Meat Loaf

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven until the center reaches an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C), about 30 minutes. Let the meat loaf rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

6. Make Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, combine the strained yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until well mixed and season to taste with salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

7. Preheat Broiler

Preheat your broiler to its highest setting, positioning the oven rack about 1.5 to 2 inches from the broiler element.

8. Broil Meat

Slice the rested meat loaf into thin strips and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil until the edges are brown and crispy, about 2 minutes.

9. Prepare Pita Bread

Place pita bread on a rimmed baking sheet and broil until soft and pliant, about 45 seconds per side.

10. Assemble Gyros

Spread about 1/4 cup of the yogurt sauce over each piece of pita bread. Divide the broiled meat evenly among the pitas, then top with chopped fresh tomato, finely sliced onion, and cubed cucumber. Add a dash of hot sauce if desired. Wrap the gyros with foil to keep everything together and serve immediately.