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Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 20-30 minutes

Description

These Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets are stuffed with a savory beef and mushroom filling, topped with melted cheese, and served with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. With a perfect balance of rich flavors and refreshing sauce, these pita pockets are an easy and delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy.


Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
  • Mushrooms: 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work best)
  • Pita Pockets: 4 whole wheat or regular pita pockets
  • Cheese: 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a blend of both)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Onion: ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Tomato: 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon (to taste)
  • Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • Greek Yogurt: 1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt
  • Cucumber: ½ medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • Garlic: 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Dried Dill: ½ teaspoon dried dill (or fresh, if preferred)
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon (to taste)
  • Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Bell Peppers: ½ cup diced bell peppers (for extra crunch)
  • Olives: ¼ cup Kalamata or green olives, sliced (optional)
  • Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach (for added greenery)
  • Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes (for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef and Mushroom Filling

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they have softened and released their moisture. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
  • Stir in the diced tomato and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the tomato to soften and release its juices. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

  • In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (after squeezing out excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Taste the tzatziki sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more Greek yogurt. If you’d like a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of garlic.
  • Once the sauce is mixed and adjusted to your taste, cover it and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 2 days.

3. Warm the Pita Pockets

  • While the beef and mushroom filling cools, gently warm the pita pockets. You can either heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

4. Assemble the Pita Pockets

  • Once the pita pockets are warm, cut them in half to create pockets, being careful not to tear them. Gently open each pocket to make space for the filling.
  • Spoon the beef and mushroom filling into each pita pocket, dividing it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the filling while it’s still warm, allowing it to melt and become gooey.
  • Drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the filling, then garnish with fresh parsley.

5. Serve

  • Serve the cheesy beef and mushroom pita pockets immediately, either as is or with additional toppings like olives, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 400-500 kcal
  • Fat: 25-30g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Protein: 25-30g