Beef Pitas with Yogurt Sauce

Beef Pitas with Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender, seasoned beef is tucked into warm pita bread, then topped with a refreshing yogurt sauce that adds a cool, creamy contrast to the savory meat. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or even a picnic, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 whole pita breads, warmed
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small cucumber, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, diced cucumber, minced garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate while you prepare the beef.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the beef: Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the pitas: Cut the warmed pita breads in half to create pockets. Fill each pita pocket with a portion of the seasoned beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and a dollop of the prepared yogurt sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
5. Serve: Serve the Beef Pitas with Yogurt Sauce immediately, accompanied by extra yogurt sauce on the side if desired.

Enjoy your Beef Pitas with Yogurt Sauce as a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week, offering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors with every bite!