Pita + Beef Kebab

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to prepare, bursting with bold Mediterranean spices, and ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The beef kebabs are juicy and tender, while the pita serves as the perfect vessel to wrap up all the delicious elements. You can customize the fillings to suit your taste, making it a fun and versatile meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• Garlic cloves
• Red onion
• Fresh parsley
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Pita bread (store-bought or homemade)
• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Lettuce or arugula
• Tzatziki or tahini sauce
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with minced garlic, finely chopped onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine well, but don’t overmix.
2. Shape the seasoned meat into small oval-shaped kebabs or long sausage-like patties.
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
4. Cook the kebabs for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. While the kebabs cook, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or in the oven until soft and pliable.
6. Prepare the toppings: slice cucumber and tomato, and wash greens.
7. Assemble the pita: spread a layer of tzatziki or tahini sauce, add the beef kebab, and top with veggies and a squeeze of lemon juice.
8. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.
• Herb Boost: Mix in fresh mint or cilantro along with parsley.
• Yogurt Marinade: Marinate the beef in yogurt and spices for an extra tender kebab.
• Grill Option: Cook the kebabs on outdoor skewers over a grill for smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb: Serve the kebabs over a salad instead of in pita.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
Pita can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerated to keep fresh longer.
Avoid assembling the pitas ahead of time to prevent sogginess—assemble fresh when ready to eat.

FAQs

What’s the best type of beef for kebabs?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Can I use store-bought pita?

Yes, just warm it slightly to make it soft and flexible before assembling.

What sauces go well with beef kebab?

Tzatziki, tahini, garlic yogurt sauce, or even hummus are great options.

Can I cook the kebabs in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent kebabs from falling apart?

Make sure the meat mixture is well-combined and shape the kebabs tightly.

Are these kebabs freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked kebabs. Just thaw overnight before cooking.

Can I use other ground meats?

Absolutely. Ground lamb, chicken, or turkey also work well with this recipe.

What vegetables work best for toppings?

Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, red onion, and pickled veggies are all great choices.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use tahini sauce instead of tzatziki, or opt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Is this meal kid-friendly?

Yes, you can serve the beef in mini pitas with mild toppings for a kid-friendly version.

Conclusion

Pita + Beef Kebab is a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. With juicy spiced beef, crisp veggies, and warm pita, it’s the kind of dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on this crave-worthy combo.

Pita + Beef Kebab

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Pita + Beef Kebab is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean meal made with juicy spiced ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce all wrapped in warm pita. It’s satisfying, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grill or Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 pita breads
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 cup lettuce or arugula
• 1/2 cup tzatziki or tahini sauce
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, red onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into small oval-shaped kebabs or sausage-like patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the kebabs for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
5. Warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven until soft and pliable.
6. Prepare toppings: slice cucumber and tomato, and wash greens.
7. To assemble, spread tzatziki or tahini on the pita, add a beef kebab, and top with vegetables.
8. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve immediately.

Notes

• Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy version.
• Marinate beef in yogurt and spices for extra tenderness.
• Serve over a salad instead of pita for a low-carb option.
• Freeze uncooked kebabs for later use—thaw before cooking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pita with beef and toppings
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg