*Meat Pita
Juicy meat pita filled with seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, rice, and cheese, wrapped in flaky filo pastry—perfect for a flavorful, hearty meal enjoyed anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in butter until translucent.
- Add ground hamburger to the onions and brown the meat thoroughly.
- Stir in tomato paste or sauce and cook for a few minutes.
- Add eggs, salt, pepper, cinnamon, water, rice, and grated Romano cheese to the mixture.
- Cook the mixture partially until the rice is tender and flavors meld, then let it cool.
- Fill filo leaves with the cooled meat mixture, fold, and bake until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also add some chopped spinach or herbs like parsley to the filling for extra flavor. Ensure the onions are cooked thoroughly to release their sweetness, enhancing the overall taste. If you have leftover filling, it makes a great addition to Zucchini Boats With Ham And Vegetable Stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat pitas warm, garnished with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce. They pair beautifully with a side salad or Mediterranean Eggplant to complement the flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a light couscous salad. These pitas also make great appetizers for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If freezing, wrap individual pitas tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of *Meat Pita contains roughly 899 calories, with 9g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2058mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat filling a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the pitas, simply fill the filo leaves with the chilled mixture and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of filo leaves?
If you can't find filo leaves, you can use puff pastry or even tortillas as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so watch for a golden brown color regardless of the pastry you choose.
How do I know when the pitas are done baking?
The pitas are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the filling with a food thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).