Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wrap with Hot Honey Feta Cream
If you’re craving something bold, savory, and just a little sweet with heat, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wrap delivers. Warm, spiced beef seasoned with oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika gets tucked into soft pita bread and topped with crisp vegetables. The real standout is the hot honey feta cream, a creamy, salty, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that ties everything together.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve casually to friends. Everything comes together in under 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Spiced Ground Beef
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion (yellow or red), finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½–1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Hot Honey Feta Cream
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup Greek yogurt (about 2 tablespoons heaping)
1–1½ tablespoons honey (or hot honey)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon olive oil
Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Assembly and Toppings
4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded lettuce or arugula
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Instructions
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
Sauté the Onion: Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Beef: Add ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Season: Stir in oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook another 2–3 minutes so the spices bloom. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Prepare the Feta Cream: In a bowl, combine feta, Greek yogurt, honey, chili flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice if using. Mix until creamy. For smoother texture, mash with a fork or blend briefly.
Warm the Pitas: Heat pitas in a dry skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Base: Spread a generous spoonful of hot honey feta cream inside each pita.
Add Beef and Vegetables: Fill with warm spiced beef, then top with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or mint. Drizzle extra honey if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
Use lean beef (85–90%) to prevent excess grease in the filling.
Drain excess fat if necessary after browning.
Let the beef cook undisturbed briefly to develop caramelization.
Blooming spices in the hot pan deepens flavor.
Adjust chili flakes based on heat preference.
For extra creaminess, blend the feta mixture in a small food processor.
Slice onions thinly to avoid overpowering bites.
Warm pitas just before assembling to prevent cracking.
Prep vegetables while beef cooks to save time.
Serve immediately for best texture and warmth contrast.
Variations
Ground Lamb Version: Swap beef for ground lamb for richer flavor.
Chicken Alternative: Use ground chicken or turkey for lighter option.
Low-Carb Bowl: Skip pita and serve over chopped romaine.
Spicy Harissa Twist: Add 1 teaspoon harissa to the beef.
Tzatziki Blend: Mix a spoonful of tzatziki into the feta cream.
Cheesy Melt: Add shredded mozzarella and briefly broil.
Grilled Veggie Add-In: Include grilled zucchini or bell peppers.
Pickled Red Onion: Replace raw onion with quick-pickled onions.
Whole Wheat Pita: Increase fiber with whole wheat bread.
Mediterranean Bowl Style: Serve over rice or quinoa with olives.
Q&A
Can I make the beef ahead of time?
Yes. Store cooked beef in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep components separate in airtight containers.
Can I freeze the beef?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat gently.
Is hot honey necessary?
No. Regular honey plus chili flakes works perfectly.
Can I make the sauce smoother?
Yes. Blend it for a whipped texture.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Omit chili flakes and use plain honey.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead?
You can, though the hot honey feta cream gives a sweeter contrast.
What’s the best way to reheat beef?
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes. Simply reduce or remove spice.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. It scales easily for gatherings.
Nutrition
(Approximate per wrap, based on 5 servings)
Calories: 420–480
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 8 g
Values vary depending on pita size and honey amount.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Wraps with Hot Honey Feta Cream bring together savory spiced meat, cool fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that balances salt, sweetness, and gentle heat. The combination feels comforting yet fresh at the same time.
It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and satisfying without being heavy. Once you try that hot honey feta cream, you’ll likely find yourself using it on far more than just pita wraps.