Description
These Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets with creamy homemade Tzatziki Sauce are a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef and sautéed mushrooms are seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, stuffed into warm pita bread, and topped with melted cheese. The refreshing Greek yogurt-based tzatziki sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast that balances the savory filling beautifully.
Ingredients
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
Pita
- 4 pita pockets
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 Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan if needed.
- Add Mushrooms and Season: Stir in the diced mushrooms and cook for another 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 aside.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and drain out excess water thoroughly. In a bowl, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well incorporated.
- Warm Pita: Heat the pita pockets in a dry skillet or microwave until they become warm and pliable to prevent cracking when stuffed.
- Assemble Pita Pockets: Fill each warm pita pocket generously with the beef and mushroom mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese inside. Optionally, place the filled pitas under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or warm them on low heat in a skillet to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce into each pita pocket and serve immediately for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt and lean ground beef.
- To save time, use pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-minced garlic from the store.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Ensure you drain the grated cucumber well to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- Optionally, add fresh chopped tomatoes or lettuce inside the pita for added crunch and freshness.
