Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

🥩 Ingredients

For the seasoned beef:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

🥒 Fresh toppings:

• 4 pita breads

• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• ½ cup sliced cucumber

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• Fresh parsley (optional)

🥣 Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried)

• Salt to taste

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Tzatziki

1. Squeeze excess water from grated cucumber using a paper towel.

2. Mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt.

3. Refrigerate while preparing the beef (flavor improves as it chills).

2️⃣ Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up.

5. Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

6. Cook 2–3 more minutes until fragrant.

7. Turn off heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the beef.

3️⃣ Warm the Pita

• Heat pita in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side
  or

• Wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

4️⃣ Assemble the Wraps

1. Spread tzatziki down the center of each pita.

2. Add a generous scoop of seasoned beef.

3. Top with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, and parsley.

4. Fold and wrap tightly (you can wrap bottom half in parchment paper for easier holding).

🌟 Optional Add-Ins

• Hummus spread

• Kalamata olives

• Pickled red onions

• A drizzle of hot sauce

• Sumac or extra oregano on top

🥗 Make It a Bowl Instead

Skip the pita and serve over:

• Rice

• Couscous

• Quinoa

• Or a chopped salad base