Middle Eastern Ground Beef Pita Sandwich

Middle Eastern ground beef pita sandwiches feature spiced, juicy beef with aromatic allspice, cardamom, and paprika, tucked into soft pita pockets. Topped with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce, these sandwiches make a quick and flavorful lunch, dinner, or party snack. Perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 ½ lb ground beef or ground turkey
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp ground green cardamom
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

For Serving

• 3 pita breads, cut in halves (makes 6 pockets)
• 2 medium tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• ½ English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced (half-moons)
• 1 radish, sliced (optional)
• Tahini sauce (or tzatziki or hummus)

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Instructions

Cook the Meat

1. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes, stirring regularly.
3. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned.
4. Drain excess fat if using higher-fat meat.
5. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, cayenne, cardamom, nutmeg, and paprika. Stir in parsley and combine thoroughly.

Assemble the Pita Sandwiches

1. Stuff each pita pocket with the cooked meat mixture.
2. Add slices of tomato, red onion, cucumber, and radish (if using).
3. Drizzle with tahini sauce, tzatziki, or hummus. Serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pita sandwiches are packed with bold Middle Eastern flavors from aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they make a satisfying lunch, dinner, or party-friendly meal.

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Tips

• Use lean meat to reduce excess fat.
• Warm the pita slightly before stuffing for easier filling.
• Adjust spice levels to taste, especially cayenne.
• Chop vegetables thinly for a balanced bite in each sandwich.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat: Use ground lamb for a more traditional flavor.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, pickled turnips, or shredded lettuce.
• Sauce: Swap tahini for tzatziki, hummus, or garlic yogurt sauce.
• Grains: Serve on flatbreads or wraps if pita is unavailable.

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FAQs

Can this be made ahead?
Yes, cook the meat filling in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble sandwiches just before serving.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground meat with sautéed lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep cooked meat and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Pita can become soggy if assembled too early.

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Serving

Serve warm, stuffed with fresh vegetables and drizzled with tahini or hummus. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or pickles for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

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Suggestions

• Perfect for lunchboxes, casual dinners, or party platters.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for extra brightness.
• Drizzle with a little lemon juice for added tang.
• Serve with a side of yogurt or a light Mediterranean salad for a balanced meal.