Ground lamb seasoned with spices like oregano, coriander, and paprika takes center stage on a warm pita in this easy recipe! A spicy Greek yogurt sauce drizzled over top creates a creamy, herby bite. It is the right place to get an Easy Spiced Ground Lamb Pita Recipe!
If you’re looking to pull together dinner in 15 minutes, you’ve landed in the right place.
I LOVE a faux-fancy dinner situation. Dinners that give off an “I’ve been working on this for hours” vibe that really comes together with little time and even less effort. These pitas are exactly that!!
Ground meat is a time SAVIOR – regardless of which protein you’re using, if it’s ground it will cook in a matter of minutes. I feel like we’ve been eating a billion pounds of ground turkey in quarantine so I decided to mix things (slightly) up with some ground lamb! It has a really nice richness and complexity that you don’t necessarily get with ground white meat.
Now for these pitas… we loaded them with what we had in the fridge: avocado slices, crumbled salty feta, spicy hummus, and massaged kale BUT they are SO customizable! Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onions, jalapeño slices, olive tapenade — let your imagination run wild!
Here’s how you’ll make the Spiced Ground Lamb Pitas:
- Cook the ground lamb and season well with the spice mix.
- Prepare the Greek yogurt sauce.
- Warm the pitas.
- Assemble your masterpieces!
One quick thing about the spice mix: when I was first learning to cook, I would look at a measurement like “one teaspoon” and I would think to myself, “That is a TINY amount and I probably can skip it.” But a teaspoon of spice goes a LONG way, especially if it’s really aromatic! So try not to skip a spice if you don’t have it – see if you can replace it with some of the alternatives listed!
Tips For Making Spiced Ground Lamb Pitas:
- Chop your pita toppings while the ground lamb cooks to save even more time.
- Not a lamb person!? No problem — swap for ground beef!
- If you don’t have a spice listed in the recipe, see if you can replace it with something similar: sub cumin for coriander, sub chili powder for paprika, sub cinnamon for nutmeg if needed, and sub red pepper flakes for heat.
- warm pitas by stacking them and wrapping them in damp paper towels. Microwave for 30 seconds and keep inside until ready to use. You can also use a toaster oven, just skip the paper towels!
- If you don’t have/don’t want to use hummus as your spread, you can spread a thin layer of the yogurt sauce in the pita before layering in the ground meat and toppings.
I hope you enjoy these as much as we did! I personally will be heating up another pita for lunch 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I substitute ground beef for ground lamb in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground lamb in this recipe to create a delicious alternative. Ground beef is a versatile protein that can be used in various dishes, including kofta kebabs or rice bowls.
2. What are some customizable toppings for the spiced ground lamb pitas?
You can customize the toppings for the spiced ground lamb pitas with options like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onions, jalapeño slices, and olive tapenade. Adding a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or parsley can enhance the flavors.
3. Can I make the ground lamb mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the ground lamb mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. This is a great way to save time and make meal prep easier, especially for taco night or when preparing kofta kebabs.
4. How long can I store the leftovers of the spiced ground lamb pitas?
Leftover toppings and sauces can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of your new favorite dish even after the initial meal.
5. What are some serving suggestions for the spiced ground lamb pitas?
These pitas can be served as a standalone meal or with a side dish like rice bowls. They also pair well with hummus bowls and a variety of crunchy vegetables. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle some black pepper or add a touch of lemon zest. If you’re looking for a complementary beverage, consider serving them with a glass of red wine.
6. What is the recommended cooking temperature for the spiced ground lamb?
To achieve the best results, cook the spiced ground lamb over medium heat. This allows the flavors to develop and ensures that the lamb is cooked through while retaining its juiciness. Whether you’re making kofta kebabs or preparing the lamb for taco night, medium heat is the ideal temperature.
7. What are some healthy ground lamb recipes that incorporate warm spices and are easy to make?
There are many options for healthy ground lamb recipes that feature warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. From lamb koftas to flavorful meatballs, these recipes are a great way to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal.
8. How can I prepare tender and flavorful lamb chops with a touch of spice?
Lamb chops can be cooked to perfection with medium heat, allowing them to develop a beautiful crust while remaining tender and juicy. Season them with a blend of warm spices like black pepper, cumin, and paprika for a touch of heat and depth of flavor. Pair them with a side of crunchy vegetables and serve with a fresh mint and sour cream sauce, topped with feta cheese for one of the best healthy recipes!
I hope you enjoy these as much as we did! I will be heating another pita for lunch 🙂
The Best Healthy Ground Lamb Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground lamb choose organic if possible
- 1 tbs. olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. coriander
- ¼ tsp. nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 pitas white or wheat
optional toppings
- hummus, sliced avocado, dressed greens, crumbled feta
spicy yogurt sauce
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 2 tbs. minced jalapeño
- 2 tbs. chopped chives plus more for serving
- 1 tbs. plain almond milk or more to thin
Instructions
- In a skillet, warm 1 tbs. olive oil over medium high heat. Add ground lamb, breaking up with wooden spoon.
- In small bowl, combine all the spices (salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, coriander and nutmeg). When lamb has almost fully cooked (some parts still pink), add spices and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients for the spicy yogurt sauce and season with salt and pepper. Chop any additional veggies you're using for pita toppings. Warm pitas in damp paper towels for 30 seconds in the microwave.
- Assemble pitas by layering either hummus or spicy yogurt sauce first, then lay avocado slices on one side and greens on the other (if using). Then add a scoop of the seasoned ground lamb and top with more yogurt sauce and feta!
Really delicious! Spices were just perfect and spicy yogurt sauce was great. Very refreshing.
Thank you so much!!