Description
These Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce combine savory ground beef and sautéed mushrooms with melted mozzarella cheese inside whole wheat pita pockets. Served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this Mediterranean-inspired main course is packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 whole wheat pita pockets, halved and opened
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5–6 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking the beef up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. If there is excess fat, drain it off. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir the shredded mozzarella cheese into the beef and mushroom mixture while still warm, allowing it to melt and combine thoroughly for a creamy texture.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together plain Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Pita Pockets: Stuff each pita half with the warm cheesy beef and mushroom filling. Serve immediately, accompanied by a generous spoonful of the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- The filling and tzatziki sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated or served cold to save time.
- For additional flavor and nutrition, consider adding chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the beef and mushroom mixture.
- Use whole wheat pita pockets for added fiber and a wholesome texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and spices in the beef mixture.
