Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 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

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Introduction

These Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets are a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Combining spiced ground beef with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki, they offer a delicious taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

The image shows two pieces of pita bread, each cut in half and filled with layers inside. The outer layer is the light golden-brown pita bread with some darker toasted spots. Inside, the first visible layer is minced cooked meat mixed with small bits of green herbs. Beneath the meat, one pita half shows a creamy white cheese layer mixed with chopped cucumber and bright red tomato cubes with some green herb garnish on top. The food is placed on a white plate with small black speckles, resting on a blue and white plaid cloth over a white marbled surface. In the background, a white bowl with a creamy dip and some green herbs can be seen slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Warm the pita pockets in a toaster or oven until soft and pliable.
Step 5: Carefully cut each pita in half to form pockets without tearing them.
Step 6: Fill each pita pocket with the cooked ground beef mixture.
Step 7: Top the beef with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
Step 8: Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the filling before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the beef mixture just before filling the pitas.
Use lamb instead of beef for a traditional Mediterranean twist.
Try adding crumbled feta cheese inside the pockets for a creamy texture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.

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 avoid sogginess. Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet or microwave before stuffing fresh pita pockets. Prepared pita pockets are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

How to Serve

Two stuffed pockets of pita bread are placed on a white speckled plate on a white marbled surface. Each pita pocket is cut in half, showing two layers inside: the top layer is cooked ground beef mixed with green herbs, while the bottom layer contains fresh red tomato chunks, light green cucumber slices, and a generous spread of white creamy cheese. The pita bread is golden brown and slightly toasted on the outside, with a soft, pale inside. There are scattered green herb pieces on and around the pockets, with a blurred small bowl of white sauce in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before assembling the pita pockets.

What if I don’t have tzatziki sauce?

You can substitute tzatziki with plain yogurt mixed with minced cucumber, garlic, and a pinch of salt, or use hummus for a different flavor profile.