Mediterranean Cheesy Ground Beef and Mushroom Pita Wrap with Zaatar Roasted Sauce
This Mediterranean Cheesy Ground Beef and Mushroom Pita Wrap brings together juicy spiced beef, earthy mushrooms, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy melted cheese, all bundled in warm pita bread. The star of the show is the Zaatar Roasted Sauce, a tangy, nutty, and herbaceous drizzle made from tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and the distinctive zaatar spice blend. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a party platter, this wrap is hearty yet fresh, combining Middle Eastern-inspired flavors with cheesy comfort.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 wraps
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
For the Zaatar roasted sauce:
2 tbsp zaatar spice blend
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
For the assembly:
4 pita breads or flatbreads
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Add mushrooms, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for another 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 more minutes until they start to blister. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Zaatar roasted sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and zaatar.
Season with a pinch of salt. Adjust thickness by adding a teaspoon of water if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the wraps
Warm pita breads in a dry skillet or oven for 1–2 minutes.
Spread a spoonful of zaatar sauce over each pita.
Add a generous portion of the beef-mushroom mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
If you want the cheese melted, place the filled pita briefly under the broiler or in a skillet with a lid until cheese melts.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 4: Serve
Fold or roll the pitas, drizzle with extra sauce if desired, and serve warm.
Tips
Cheese Choice: Mozzarella melts smoothly, while cheddar adds sharpness—mix both for balance.
Zaatar Flavor Boost: Toast the zaatar in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the sauce for deeper aroma.
Beef Juiciness: Don’t overcook the beef—keeping a slight bit of moisture prevents a dry wrap.
Pita Quality: Use fresh, soft pita or flatbread to avoid cracking when folding.
Vegetable Variation: Add bell peppers or zucchini for more color and nutrients.
Variations
Vegetarian: Swap ground beef with crumbled falafel, spiced chickpeas, or lentils.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or harissa paste to the filling.
Low-Carb: Use lettuce leaves instead of pita for a lighter wrap.
Chicken Version: Replace beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Extra Creamy: Mix shredded cheese directly into the beef mixture before wrapping.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before assembling.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Keep the filling and sauce separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps fresh.
Q: Can I freeze the beef mixture?
A: Yes, the cooked beef-mushroom filling freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition (per wrap, approx.)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 520mg
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Cheesy Ground Beef and Mushroom Pita Wrap is a perfect example of how bold spices, fresh herbs, and creamy sauces can transform a simple wrap into a gourmet experience. The zaatar sauce ties everything together with a fragrant, tangy finish, while the cheesy filling keeps it comfort-food worthy. Whether you serve it for a quick weekday dinner or as part of a weekend gathering, this wrap will disappear from the table in minutes.