Name: Greek Feta and Melty Gouda Cheesesteak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon salted butter; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 pound shaved lamb shoulder or skirt steak; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 2 Persian cucumbers, cubed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped; 1 lemon, sliced into wedges; 4 sandwich rolls or fresh pita, split; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 4 slices Gouda cheese; 1 cup tzatziki sauce

Ingredients

1 tablespoon salted butter

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 pound shaved lamb shoulder (or skirt steak)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

4 sandwich rolls or fresh pita, split

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

4 slices Gouda cheese

1 cup tzatziki sauce

2 Persian cucumbers, cubed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

1 lemon, sliced into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 3: Add the shaved lamb or skirt steak to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley, oregano, and dill. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Split the sandwich rolls or pita bread and fill them evenly with the cooked meat mixture. Top each with crumbled feta and a slice of Gouda cheese.

Step 6: Place the filled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Meanwhile, mix the remaining feta cheese into the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, toss the cubed cucumbers and chopped cherry tomatoes with a pinch of oregano and dill.

Step 8: Add lettuce leaves to each sandwich, spoon the feta tzatziki over the meat, then top with the cucumber and tomato mixture. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute lamb with thinly sliced beef or chicken for a different protein variation.

Use fresh pita for a lighter option or crusty rolls for a heartier sandwich.

For extra flavor, toast the sandwich rolls lightly before filling.

Add sliced hot peppers for a spicy kick.

Serve with oregano fries or a simple Greek salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover meat mixture and vegetable topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sandwiches are best assembled fresh, but you can reheat the meat mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling. Avoid reheating the assembled sandwich to preserve the freshness of the vegetables and tzatziki.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Gouda and feta?

Yes, you can substitute Gouda with provolone or mozzarella for a similar melting quality, and feta can be swapped with ricotta salata or queso fresco for a mild, crumbly texture.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in this recipe?

Fresh herbs add bright, aromatic flavors that elevate the dish, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh and add them earlier during cooking to release their flavors.