Description
These Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets are a delicious and quick meal featuring savory ground beef and mushrooms seasoned with aromatic spices, nestled inside warm pita bread and topped with melted cheese. Served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe combines rich flavors with a cool, creamy contrast for a satisfying 25-minute dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef and Mushroom Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz mushrooms, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 4 pita pockets
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasy filling.
- Add Mushrooms and Season: Stir in the diced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and set the filling aside.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Warm Pita Pockets: Warm the pita pockets either in a dry skillet or microwave just until they become pliable and easy to open without tearing.
- Assemble Pitas: Fill each warm pita pocket with the beef and mushroom mixture, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside. For melted cheese, optionally place the filled pitas under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or heat on low in a skillet until the cheese melts.
- Add Tzatziki and Serve: Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce into each stuffed pita pocket. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with your preferred melting cheese such as cheddar or a blend for variation.
- Ensure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- The pita pockets can be warmed in the microwave for about 20 seconds as a quicker option.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the tzatziki can enhance its freshness.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
