Greek Sandwich Filling

If you’re a fan of Greek and Middle Eastern flavors, then this Greek Sandwich Filling recipe is a must-try. Reminiscent of gyros and other delicious dishes from the region, this filling is packed with tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for entertaining or feeding a large group, this recipe yields a generous batch that will impress your guests with its bold flavors and versatility.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil, divided
• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) beef round steak, cut into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes, divided
• 2 cups (320 g) chopped onions
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup (235 ml) dry red wine
• 1 can (6 ounces, or 170 g) no-salt-added tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• Dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) water

PREPARATIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 pound (455 g) of beef cubes to the skillet and brown them. Repeat this process with the remaining oil and beef cubes, browning them in batches.
3. Reserve the drippings from the skillet and transfer the browned beef cubes to a slow cooker.
4. In the same skillet with the reserved drippings, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become tender and fragrant.
5. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef cubes.
6. Pour in the dry red wine, followed by the no-salt-added tomato paste, oregano, basil, rosemary, salt, and a dash of black pepper.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
8. After the cooking time is complete, switch the slow cooker to high heat.
9. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth. Add this mixture to the meat mixture in the slow cooker.
10. Continue cooking on high heat until the sauce becomes bubbly and thickened, stirring occasionally to ensure even thickening.

YIELD

• 16 servings

TIP

• Serve the Greek Sandwich Filling in pita bread pockets for an authentic experience. Top the filling with shredded lettuce, juicy tomato slices, refreshing cucumber, and a dollop of plain yogurt to add a cool and tangy element.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING

• 119 g water
• 204 calories (34% from fat, 56% from protein, 9% from carbs)
• 27 g protein
• 7 g total fat
• 2 g saturated fat
• 4 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 4 g carbs
• 1 g fiber
• 2 g sugar
• 267 mg phosphorus
• 15 mg calcium
• 3 mg iron
• 71 mg sodium
• 593 mg potassium
• 171 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 4 mg vitamin C
• 65 mg cholesterol

In conclusion, this Greek Sandwich Filling is a versatile and flavorful option for entertaining or simply enjoying a taste of the Mediterranean at home. The combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a tangy tomato-based sauce creates a filling that is reminiscent of classic Greek and Middle Eastern dishes like gyros.

The slow cooking process allows the beef round steak to become incredibly tender and infused with the robust flavors of the onion, garlic, herbs, and tomato paste. The addition of dry red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, elevating the overall taste experience. With its generous yield, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or for making ahead and freezing for future meals.

When it comes to serving this Greek Sandwich Filling, the classic approach is to use pita bread pockets as a base. The soft and slightly chewy texture of the pita bread provides the perfect vessel for holding the flavorful filling. Enhance the sandwich by topping it with shredded lettuce, juicy tomato slices, refreshing cucumber, and a dollop of plain yogurt. The combination of textures and flavors will create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Nutritionally, this Greek Sandwich Filling offers a good source of protein from the beef, while keeping the overall fat content moderate. The flavorsome sauce is low in sodium, allowing for customization according to individual dietary needs. It’s worth noting that the nutritional information provided is per serving, so portion sizes can be adjusted based on personal preferences and dietary requirements.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a taste of Greece, or simply looking for a hearty and delicious meal, this Greek Sandwich Filling is a fantastic choice. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aromas and flavors of this Greek-inspired dish without the hassle of extensive cooking. Try it for your next gathering or family meal and experience the satisfaction of a homemade Greek delight.