Beef Pita Recipe – Spiced Minced Beef with Olives & Mozzarella

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Beef Pita Recipe – Spiced Minced Beef with Olives & Mozzarella

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this Beef Pita recipe with you. It’s a family favorite, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes that just feels like comfort food. I first made this when I was craving something a little different, a little flavorful, and definitely easy. And trust me, this ticks all those boxes! It’s a wonderful blend of Indian-inspired spices with a Mediterranean twist – a combination that just works beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s quick – ready in under 30 minutes. It’s easy – perfect for a weeknight meal. But most importantly, it’s bursting with flavor! The spiced minced beef is incredibly savory, the olives add a lovely saltiness, and the mozzarella… well, who doesn’t love melted mozzarella? It’s a satisfying, delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Beef Pitas:

• 500 gm minced beef
• 1 tbsp paprika
• ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• 5 medium brown pita bread
• 5 tbsp tomato paste
• 230 gm sliced green olives
• 500 gm mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Paprika & Cinnamon: Don’t skip these! The paprika gives a beautiful color and a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warmth that’s surprisingly delicious with beef. It’s a little trick I learned from my grandmother – she always used a touch of cinnamon in her meat dishes.
• Spiced Minced Beef: This style of seasoning beef is really common across many parts of India, especially in Mughlai cuisine. It’s all about layering those warm, aromatic spices.
• Mozzarella: I prefer using a block of mozzarella and grating it myself – it melts so much better! But pre-shredded is fine if you’re short on time.
• Pita Bread: Brown pita bread holds up a little better to the filling, but you can use white if that’s all you have.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse the minced beef thoroughly and drain any excess water. This helps to remove any impurities and ensures a better texture.
2. In a saucepan, add the beef, paprika, red chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin powder, and cinnamon powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until all the moisture has evaporated. This is key – you want the beef to be nicely browned and flavorful. Divide the cooked beef into 5 equal portions.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking tray with olive oil.
4. Now for the fun part! Place a pita bread on the baking tray. Spread 1 tablespoon of tomato paste over it, then top with one portion of the spiced beef. Sprinkle with olives and then generously cover with mozzarella cheese. Repeat this for all 5 pitas.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them – ovens vary! Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the beef, work in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
• Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste.
• Fresh is best: If you can, use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Spice Level: For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red chili powder. For a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Festival Adaptations: These are fantastic for Ramadan or Eid gatherings – a hearty and satisfying meal to share with family and friends.
• Gluten-Free Pita Options: If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pita bread alternatives.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the beef for plant-based mince! There are some great options available now that work really well with these spices. You’ll also need to use a vegan mozzarella alternative. My friend, Priya, swears by the Violife brand.

Serving Suggestions

These Beef Pitas are great on their own, but here are a few side dish ideas:

• A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
• A dollop of plain yogurt or raita (Indian yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Honestly though, they’re best enjoyed fresh!

FAQs

1. Can I use lamb mince instead of beef?

Absolutely! Lamb would be delicious in this recipe. It will give it a slightly different flavor profile, but it will work beautifully.

2. What is the best type of mozzarella cheese to use for this recipe?

Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is ideal as it melts well without becoming too greasy.

3. Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Cook the beef filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the pitas.

4. How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Start with a small amount of red chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

5. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled pitas, as the pita bread can become soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked beef filling for up to 3 months.

6. What side dishes complement Beef Pita best?

A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a cooling yogurt dip are all great choices!

Enjoy making this recipe! I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!