Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets Recipe

Introduction

Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets offer a delicious and satisfying meal packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. These easy-to-make pita pockets combine spiced ground beef with crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki, perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 pita pockets
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
3. Step 3: Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Warm the pita pockets in a toaster or oven until soft and pliable.
5. Step 5: Carefully cut each pita in half to form pockets for filling.
6. Step 6: Fill each pita pocket with the cooked ground beef mixture.
7. Step 7: Top the beef with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
8. Step 8: Drizzle with tzatziki sauce before serving to add a creamy, refreshing finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.
• Swap the ground beef for ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Use whole wheat pita pockets to increase the fiber content and add a nutty flavor.
• Make homemade tzatziki with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked ground beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pita pockets separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Assemble pita pockets fresh just before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef filling in advance?

Yes, the beef filling can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it thoroughly before filling the pitas.

What can I use if I don’t have tzatziki sauce?

You can substitute tzatziki with plain Greek yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice and some minced garlic for a similar creamy topping.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets Recipe

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4.7 from 118 reviews

Delicious and hearty Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets filled with spiced ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This easy and flavorful recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pita and Toppings

• 4 pita pockets
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spoon to break it apart. Cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Season Meat: Stir in the ground cumin, ground paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to meld with the beef. Remove skillet from heat.
4. Warm Pita Pockets: Warm the pita pockets using a toaster or oven to make them pliable and soft for stuffing, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Prepare Pita Pockets: Carefully cut each pita in half to form pocket openings.
6. Assemble Pita Pockets: Fill each pita half with the cooked spiced ground beef mixture.
7. Add Fresh Vegetables: Top the beef-filled pitas with diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and crunch.
8. Drizzle with Tzatziki: Finish by drizzling each stuffed pita with creamy tzatziki sauce just before serving for a tangy and cooling contrast.

Notes

• You can substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef to vary the flavor.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
• If tzatziki sauce is unavailable, plain Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber and garlic makes a great alternative.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pita or flatbread.
• Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Mediterranean, ground beef, pita pockets, tzatziki, easy dinner, healthy lunch, quick recipe