This Greek Beef Pita with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a satisfying and flavorful meal that brings Mediterranean comfort to the table. Juicy, spiced beef wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce makes this dish both refreshing and hearty. I love how every bite bursts with flavor from the herbs and spices, balanced by the cool sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple to make yet tastes like something from a Greek taverna. The ground beef cooks quickly with Mediterranean spices, making it perfect for a fast lunch or dinner. The garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy touch that ties everything together beautifully. It’s great for meal prep or entertaining guests with something flavorful and easy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef:
500g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
4 pita breads, warmed
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onions
Chopped cucumber
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Directions
I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
I add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
I add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
I stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
For the garlic yogurt sauce, I mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
I warm the pita breads, then fill them with the cooked beef, tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber.
I drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. I usually prepare it in about 30 minutes — 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking — making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
Variations
I sometimes replace beef with ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor.
I use chicken or turkey if I want a lighter version.
I add feta cheese or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
I swap the pita for flatbread or lettuce wraps when I want something gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat until hot, then assemble the pita fresh with cold yogurt sauce. The sauce keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
FAQs
How do I make this recipe spicier?
I add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for some heat.
Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but I prefer Greek yogurt for its thicker texture. If using plain yogurt, I strain it a bit to remove excess liquid.
Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?
Absolutely. I cook the beef in advance and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.
What can I serve with Greek beef pita?
I like to serve it with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a handful of crispy fries.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, the cooked beef freezes well for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Greek Beef Pita with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is one of my favorite easy meals. I love how simple it is to prepare yet so full of fresh, bold flavors. Whether for a quick dinner or a meal to impress, it’s a dish I keep coming back to whenever I crave something satisfying and Mediterranean.
Greek Beef Pita with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Mediterranean dish made with spiced ground beef wrapped in warm pita and topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
500g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 pita breads, warmed
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onions
Chopped cucumber
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
Stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
Warm pita breads and fill with cooked beef, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber.
Drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce and garnish with parsley or dill before serving.
Notes
Swap beef with ground lamb, chicken, or turkey for different flavors.
Add feta or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
Use flatbread or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.
Chili flakes or cayenne pepper can add heat to the beef.
Prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time for easy assembly.
