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+ servings

California-Style Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets

These Mediterranean ground beef pita pockets are packed with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and tangy feta for a quick, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Main Dish, Quick Meals
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or leaner
  • 1 tsp olive oil preferably California extra-virgin
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1/2 tsp salt fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 4 pita pockets white or whole wheat
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce romaine or iceberg
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber English or Persian
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade

Method
 

  1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. While the beef cooks, warm the pita pockets in a 350°F oven for 3 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, until pliable.
  4. Open each pita pocket and fill with a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Finish by drizzling tzatziki sauce inside each pita pocket (or on top) and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If your pita pockets are dry, warm them wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 15 seconds. Make the filling ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before stuffing. Avoid overfilling the pockets to prevent tearing. Serve with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. Add sliced avocado or a squeeze of Meyer lemon for a California twist.

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