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–+ servings

California Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets

Juicy seasoned beef, crisp veggies, and tangy feta stuffed in warm pita pockets – a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Main Dish, Quick Meals
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp olive oil preferably California-grown
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Pita Pockets
  • 4 pita pockets medium-sized, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce romaine or iceberg
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber seeds removed if desired
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade

Method
 

Cook the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Assemble the Pitas
  1. Warm the pita pockets in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or in a microwave for 15 seconds.
  2. Fill each pita pocket with the beef mixture, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Drizzle tzatziki sauce inside each pocket just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 31gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 820mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Add sliced avocado or a squeeze of Meyer lemon for a California twist. Store leftover beef mixture separately and reheat gently; assemble pitas fresh. Avoid overfilling pitas to prevent tearing. Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

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