Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 whole wheat pita breads; 1 cup chopped lettuce or mixed greens; 1 medium tomato, diced; ½ small cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste

Are you ready to indulge in a delightful Mediterranean experience without leaving your kitchen? These Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps offer a burst of flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Combining spiced ground beef with fresh veggies, tangy yogurt sauce, and creamy feta, this recipe is not just simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, these wraps are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings in just 25 minutes!

The versatility of these pita wraps allows you to customize your fillings based on your liking or what you have on hand. Want to make it lighter? Swap the beef for chicken or lentils! With vibrant colors and delicious texture, Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps serve as a healthy yet indulgent meal option for everyone, even the pickiest eaters. And let’s not forget that they make for a fun, interactive dining experience, where everyone can assemble their own wraps just the way they like it.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps

Here are just a few reasons why these mediterranean wraps are sure to be a hit at your table:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices in the beef, combined with fresh veggies and a zesty sauce, creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Healthy and Nutritious: With fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and whole wheat pita, you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Customizable: Easily modify the recipe to cater to different dietary preferences or to utilize leftovers.
Fun to Assemble: A build-your-own approach that encourages everyone to get involved at the dinner table!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making these Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure success. Here’s what you’ll need:

Start by clearing your countertop and washing all your fresh produce. It’s best to have everything prepped and ready to go. You’ll want to have:

A sharp knife for slicing vegetables
A cutting board for easy prep
A large skillet or frying pan for cooking the beef
Measuring spoons for precise ingredient amounts
A mixing bowl to whip up the herbed yogurt sauce

With these tools in hand and your ingredients prepared, you’re set for a seamless cooking experience!

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to create these delicious Mediterranean wraps:

500 g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 whole wheat pita breads
1 cup chopped lettuce or mixed greens
1 medium tomato, diced
½ small cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the ground beef. As the beef starts to cook, sprinkle in the garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Continue to sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Herbed Yogurt Sauce

While the beef is cooking, take a small mixing bowl and combine the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley or dill, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until smooth and well-blended. This herbed yogurt sauce adds a refreshing tang that perfectly complements the spiced beef and crunchy veg.

Step 3: Prepare the Pita Wraps

Once the beef and herbed yogurt sauce are ready, let’s assemble! Cut each whole wheat pita bread in half to create pockets. Start by loading each pocket with a handful of chopped lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions. Spoon in the cooked ground beef generously. Finally, drizzle some of the herbed yogurt sauce over the entire mixture and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve these warm and enjoy immediately for the best experience!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations you can try:

Protein: Substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or a plant-based option like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Add or swap vegetables such as roasted red peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices such as coriander, turmeric, or even a pinch of chili powder for some heat.

Cooking Notes

For best flavor, allow the ground beef to brown properly without overcrowding the skillet.
You can make the herbed yogurt sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these wraps with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Add a splash of hot sauce to the drizzle for those who crave a kick!

Tips

Feel free to pre-cook the beef and warm the wraps before serving to save time.
Wrap any leftovers in foil to store in the refrigerator for a quick reheatable lunch the next day.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480 per serving
Protein: 30 g
Sodium: 600 mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for uniform browning.

What other sauces can I use instead of herbed yogurt?

You can try a tahini sauce, tzatziki, or even a store-bought condiment like ranch dressing for varied flavors.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.

Conclusion

These Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps are not only a delicious meal option, but they’re also incredibly quick to prepare! The combination of spiced ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy herbed yogurt creates a taste sensation that you’ll fall in love with. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give this a try, and feel free to play around with your ingredients. Don’t forget to share your experiences and variations in the comments below!