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

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets recipe brings together flavorful spiced beef and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual lunch.

The image shows two pita bread pieces cut in half, stuffed with ground cooked beef mixed with chopped green herbs. The ground beef filling is placed in the top hollow part of the pita, which is light brown and slightly toasted with a soft texture inside. Underneath the beef, the pita holds a fresh mix of chunky red tomato slices, thick cucumber pieces, and a layer of white creamy cheese. The filling colors contrast well with the warm beige pita. The pita pieces are arranged on a white plate with subtle brown specks, and some chopped herbs are scattered around the plate. The background has a soft white marbled texture. 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 garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend, then remove 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 create pockets.
Step 6: Fill each pita pocket with the cooked ground beef mixture.
Step 7: Top with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley.
Step 8: Drizzle with tzatziki sauce just before serving for a fresh and creamy finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the beef mixture before stuffing the pita pockets.
Substitute ground lamb for beef to create a richer taste.
Include sliced olives or crumbled feta cheese inside the pockets for a classic Mediterranean twist.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
Use whole wheat pita pockets for a healthier alternative.

Storage

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

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with chunky browned ground meat sits at the top center with a black spoon inside it. To the right, another white bowl holds creamy hummus topped with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkled with spices and small green herbs. Below the hummus, a third white bowl contains a fresh cucumber salad with cubed green cucumbers, sliced red onions, and scattered white cheese crumbles, with a black spoon resting in it. Below the meat bowl and to the left, a round wooden board holds a neat stack of light brown pita breads. To the left of the board, a grey plate shows thinly sliced bright red tomatoes, while a small white bowl below has a white creamy sauce garnished with green dill. Lemon wedges are on a small white plate above the hummus. Green herbs and a glass bottle of golden olive oil are scattered around on a white marbled surface. A crumpled grey-striped cloth rests on the bottom right corner. 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 up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before filling the pita pockets.

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

If tzatziki isn’t available, plain Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice works well as a substitute to maintain that creamy, tangy flavor.