Pita Filling Taco Meat
Transform your taco night with this mouthwatering Pita Filling Taco Meat recipe, a delicious fusion of classic taco flavors and soft, pillowy pita bread. Perfectly seasoned ground beef or turkey is infused with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a flavorful kick, while a dollop of tomato paste adds a rich, saucy base. Finely chopped onions and garlic deepen the savory profile, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro brings a vibrant finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve the warm, spiced filling tucked into toasted pitas and customize with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, or crisp lettuce for a satisfying handheld meal that's anything but ordinary.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 clove garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1.5 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 0.25 cup water
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 6 pitas, warmed
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper over the meat. Stir to coat evenly.
Add the tomato paste and water to the skillet. Mix well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the meat for garnish.
Serve the taco meat warm, stuffed into pita bread. Pair with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2382 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.6 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 4333 mg | 188% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 227.3 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.9 g | ||
| Protein | 115.0 g | 230% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 285 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 24.1 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 2253 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
