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 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced cucumber; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 4 pita pockets; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines seasoned beef with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, these pockets bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort.

A close-up of a pita sandwich held by a woman's hand, showing inside layers of cooked ground meat mixed with green herbs, bright red tomato slices, thin purple onion slices, and green cucumber pieces, all topped with a drizzle of white sauce. The pita bread is toasted to a light golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside, with a textured, airy interior holding the filling. The sandwich rests on a white plate with blue patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. 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 chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors, 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 form 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 tzatziki sauce over the fillings before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the beef mixture before filling the pitas.
Swap ground beef for ground lamb or turkey for a different twist.
Add a handful of crumbled feta cheese inside the pockets for a creamy tang.
Use whole wheat pita pockets for a healthier option.

Storage

Store leftover cooked ground beef mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pita pockets in a sealed bag at room temperature. Assemble pita pockets just before serving to prevent sogginess. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warm.

How to Serve

Three pita pockets are placed on a white plate with blue floral patterns, set on a white marbled surface. Each pita pocket is golden-brown and soft on the outside, cut open to show the fillings inside. The first layer is thin slices of red tomato and green cucumber, below that are slices of purple onion rings. Next, there is a generous layer of cooked ground meat with small green herb bits. A creamy white sauce with green and red specks drips slightly from the pockets. The texture of the pita looks fluffy but toasted on the surface, making the filling layers clear and colorful. 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 and season the ground beef mixture up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling the pita pockets.

What can I substitute for tzatziki sauce?

If you don’t have tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt mixed with minced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt makes a great homemade alternative.