Gyro Style Meatloaf with Tzatziki Sauce

Can meat loaf really taste like a gyro?  Yes!  Topped with cucumber Tzatziki sauce, you will think you are eating a pita wrapped gyro when you bite into this meat loaf.

Are you time crunched?  Prepare the meat loaf up to one day in advance (do not bake).  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  On your way out the door between activities, put the meat loaf in the oven and set the cook timer on your oven (do not leave unrefrigerated for more than 1 1/2 hours).  When you come home, dinner will be ready when you walk in the door.

Gyro Meat Loaf

Serves 8

3 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup dry bread crumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 pounds ground lamb

Tzatziki Sauce (see below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble lamb over mixture and mix well. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Pour the lamb mixture onto the baking sheet. Shape into a loaf. 

Bake for 55-60 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with Tzatziki sauce.

Tzatziki Sauce

Serves 6

16 ounces plain Greek yogurt

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped

Pinch kosher salt

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

5 fresh mint leaves, finely minced

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients.  Mix well.  Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.