Description
How to make Mediterranean ground beef pita pockets with warm spices, fresh herbs and tangy feta that bring authentic flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef, 85/15 lean
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh Elements
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Assembly
- 4 large pita pockets
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Dice onion, mince garlic, and chop all fresh vegetables. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and prevents burning the aromatics.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until golden and translucent, about 5 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Brown Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Season Mixture: Stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant and spices are well distributed throughout the beef mixture.
- Add Freshness: Remove from heat and stir in diced cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and lemon juice. Let cool slightly to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients.
- Warm Pitas: Gently warm pita pockets in microwave for 20 seconds or wrap in damp towel. This makes them pliable and easier to stuff.
- Assemble Pockets: Carefully open each pita pocket and stuff with beef mixture, crumbled feta, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the beef or it becomes dry and tough.
- Store beef filling separately from fresh vegetables to maintain texture.
- Warm pitas gently to prevent tearing when stuffing.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly for cleaner, less messy pockets.
- Add lemon juice last to preserve bright, fresh flavor.
- Use 85/15 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture balance.
Allergy Information: Gluten, Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 385 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 28g