Description
These Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious, savory meal combining seasoned ground beef and sautéed mushrooms with melty cheese inside warm pita bread, complemented by a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. Perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
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
- 4 pita pockets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
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
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté them until they are fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook it until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the diced mushrooms and cook until they soften and the liquid evaporates, around 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Filling: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and use a clean towel to squeeze out excess water. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well mixed.
- Warm the Pita Pockets: Gently heat the pita pockets either in a dry skillet or microwave to make them warm and pliable for stuffing.
- Fill the Pitas: Stuff each warmed pita pocket with the prepared beef and mushroom filling, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside.
- Melt the Cheese: Optionally, place the stuffed pita pockets under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or back into the skillet over low heat, just until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve with Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce into each pita pocket before serving for a refreshing contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or any preferred melting cheese.
- For spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- To keep the pita pockets warm longer, wrap them in foil after assembly.
- Drain the grated cucumber thoroughly to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- Can be served with a side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
