Pin Savory ground beef spiced with Mediterranean herbs, nestled in warm pita pockets alongside crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a cool, creamy yogurt sauce—this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stuffed Pita Pocket recipe is a vibrant, handheld dinner that bursts with freshness in every bite. It is an easy, 30-minute meal that perfectly balances the warmth of seasoned meat with the crunch of garden-fresh produce.
Pin This Mediterranean-inspired dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. With 28g of protein per serving and a colorful array of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, it provides a satisfying meal that doesn't feel heavy. The addition of fresh parsley and a zingy lemon-garlic yogurt sauce ties all the Mediterranean elements together into one cohesive, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling: 500 g lean ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- For the Yogurt Sauce: ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 small garlic clove (minced), pinch of salt, pinch of black pepper.
- For Assembling: 4 whole wheat pita breads, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced), ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped).
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 2. Make the Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- 3. Warm and Prepare the Pitas
- Warm pita breads briefly in the microwave or toaster (10–20 seconds) until pliable. Cut each pita in half to form pockets.
- 4. Assemble the Pita Pockets
- Fill each pita half with a generous spoonful of the warm ground beef mixture. Top with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle or spoon over the yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- 5. Serve
- Serve immediately while the pitas are warm and the filling is fresh.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To make the preparation process smooth, ensure you have a large skillet and a whisk on hand. You can prepare the beef filling and the yogurt sauce ahead of time and keep them refrigerated separately; simply assemble the pita pockets right before you are ready to eat to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap the ground beef for ground lamb, turkey, or even a plant-based substitute depending on your preference. For extra crunch and variety, feel free to add thinly sliced radishes, olives, or shredded lettuce to your pockets.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra boost of authentic flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sumac or add an extra squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. These pita pockets contain wheat and milk, so always check your ingredient labels if you have specific dietary concerns regarding gluten or dairy.
Pin Whether you are serving these for a quick lunch or a family dinner, these Mediterranean Ground Beef Stuffed Pita Pockets are a guaranteed hit. With 430 calories per serving of two pita halves, they offer a balanced and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of the Mediterranean at home.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the ground beef moist and flavorful?
Cook the beef over medium heat without over-stirring to allow browning, and season generously with cumin, paprika, coriander, and oregano for depth.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, the beef filling and yogurt sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated separately; assemble just before serving.
- → What can I use instead of ground beef?
Substitute ground lamb, turkey, or a plant-based alternative to suit dietary preferences or add variety.
- → How should I warm the pita breads?
Briefly warm pita breads in the microwave or toaster for 10-20 seconds until pliable to ease filling.
- → What are some optional toppings to enhance flavors?
Try adding sliced radishes, olives, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkle of sumac or extra lemon juice for brightness.