Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets Recipe
Enjoy these flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets, packed with savory spiced beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these pita pockets bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Beef 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
Pita Pockets 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
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the beef: Stir in ground cumin, ground paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Warm pita pockets: Warm the pita pockets in a toaster or preheated oven until soft and pliable, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare pita pockets: Carefully cut each pita in half to create pockets for stuffing.
- Assemble the pita pockets: Fill each pita half with the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Add fresh toppings: Top the beef with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh crunch and flavor contrast.
- Drizzle with tzatziki: Finish by drizzling each filled pita pocket with creamy tzatziki sauce before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Use whole wheat pita for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
- Vegetarian alternative: substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat.
- Serve immediately to prevent the pita from getting soggy.
Keywords: Mediterranean, Ground Beef, Pita Pockets, Quick Dinner, Healthy Lunch, Tzatziki, Easy Recipe
