Description
This Greek Beef Stuffed Pita with Lemon Garlic Yogurt is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that combines spiced ground beef with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, it offers a delightful balance of bold spices and refreshing, zesty accompaniments wrapped in warm pita bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Assembly
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Beef and Spices: Stir in the ground beef along with ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture, breaking the meat apart, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated or minced garlic, olive oil, and salt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Warm Pita Breads: Slightly warm the pita breads to make them pliable and soft, which can be done in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
- Assemble the Pitas: Fill each warmed pita with the cooked beef mixture, then add chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and fresh parsley for freshness and crunch.
- Serve with Sauce: Drizzle each stuffed pita generously with the lemon garlic yogurt sauce and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for the beef for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- If you prefer, add some crumbled feta cheese inside the pita for extra creaminess.
- Make sure not to overcook the beef to keep it juicy and tender.
- The yogurt sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita or flatbread.
