If you are craving a meal that feels both fresh and satisfyingly hearty, then you have to try this Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe. It’s one of those magic combinations where the warm, spiced ground beef mingles perfectly with a bright, tangy cucumber and feta salad. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that is both nourishing and exciting. Plus, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an unbeatable choice for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward, yet they all play a crucial role: the spices bring warmth and depth to the beef, while the cucumber and feta salad adds freshness and creaminess that balances the dish perfectly.
- Olive oil: Essential for giving the ground beef a golden sear and enriching the flavors.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that becomes wonderfully spiced and slightly crispy.
- Kosher salt: A key seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Ground cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes.
- Ground cinnamon: A surprising touch that brings a warm, sweet undertone to the beef.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the beef with a gentle savory note.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic to deepen the flavor profile.
- English or Persian cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, diced for that perfect salad crunch.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled to add creamy, salty bursts that brighten each bite.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to lend a fragrant, herbaceous lift.
- Lemon juice: The zesty acid that ties the salad together with a fresh tang.
- Olive oil (for salad): Helps mellow the lemon juice and dress the vegetables.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the salad.
- Hummus, tzatziki, or yogurt tahini sauce: Your choice of spread to add creaminess and tie all the flavors inside the pita.
- Pita pockets or flatbreads: The soft vessel that holds all these wonderful ingredients together.
How to Make Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef followed by the kosher salt, cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, and onion powder. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spoon to ensure even browning. Aim for a slightly crispy texture around the edges for added flavor and contrast. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember, don’t overcook it, or it can get dry and lose its juicy appeal.
Step 2: Make the Lemony Cucumber & Feta Salad
While the beef is sizzling away, mix together your diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then season lightly with kosher salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. This vibrant salad balances the savory meat perfectly, bringing a fresh, tangy lift.
Step 3: Assemble Your Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe
Warm your pita pockets or flatbreads to make them soft and pliable. Spread about one tablespoon of your chosen hummus, tzatziki, or yogurt tahini sauce inside each pita. Fill the pockets generously with the spiced ground beef, then spoon over the cucumber and feta salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, add extra veggies or a drizzle of sauce for a fun personal twist.
How to Serve Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra crumbled feta on top to elevate the presentation and add bursts of flavor in every bite. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a splash of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pitas go wonderfully with simple Mediterranean sides like a crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even a cooling bowl of tzatziki. For something heartier, pair them with some fragrant rice pilaf or a light couscous salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, serve the spiced beef, salad, and sauces separately with warm pita wedges, allowing guests to build their own pitas. Alternatively, slice the assembled pitas into halves or quarters and skewer them for easy handheld bites that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked spiced ground beef and cucumber-feta salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the textures fresh and prevents the pita from becoming soggy when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
The cooked ground beef freezes well when wrapped tightly or stored in freezer-safe containers. However, freeze the cucumber & feta salad separately in small portions or prepare it fresh after thawing the beef for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the ground beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Warm your pita breads separately in the oven or on a skillet. Add the cucumber and feta salad fresh for the crisp bite it deserves.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or tempeh with the same spices for a satisfying vegetarian take on this recipe.
What type of pita works best?
Look for soft, pocket-style pitas that will hold the fillings well without tearing. Freshly baked or store-bought pita breads both work great when warmed properly.
Can I substitute the cucumber salad with something else?
You can experiment with other fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes and olives or a tangy cabbage slaw. Just make sure to keep a balance of creamy and acidic to match the spiced beef.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe is mild and flavorful, focusing on warming spices and bright fresh ingredients rather than heat. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes if you like things spicier.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire meal comes together in about 20 minutes—10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, making it a perfect weekday dinner option.
Final Thoughts
If you want a fresh, quick, and utterly delicious dinner, you really cannot go wrong with the Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe. It strikes that perfect harmony between cozy and bright, comforting yet loaded with fresh flavors. Once you try it, I have no doubt it will become a go-to in your meal rotation, just as it is in mine.
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Ground Beef Pitas with Cucumber & Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
This quick and flavorful 20-minute dinner features spiced ground beef cooked to crispy perfection and tucked into warm pita pockets, complemented by a refreshing lemony cucumber and feta salad. A perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal that balances savory, tangy, and fresh flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Cucumber Salad
- 1 cup English or Persian cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To Serve
- ¼ cup hummus, tzatziki, or yogurt tahini sauce
- 4 pita pockets or flatbreads, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the salt, cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned and just cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. For extra texture, allow some edges to get slightly crispy but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Make the Salad: While the beef is cooking, combine diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Toss gently to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the Pitas: Warm the pita pockets or flatbreads. Spread about 1 tablespoon of hummus, tzatziki, or yogurt tahini sauce inside each pita. Fill each pita with the spiced ground beef and top generously with the cucumber-feta salad mixture. Add any extra veggies or additional sauce if desired for more flavor or texture.
Notes
- For best texture, brown the beef until some edges are crispy but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
- Nutrition values may vary depending on the pita and sauce choices used.
- The 3-ingredient tahini yogurt sauce pairs exceptionally well with this dish for added creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
