Greek Mama

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Greek Mama recipe—a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This Greek-inspired creation combines spiced ground beef infused with cinnamon, cumin, and oregano, simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Served on warm pita bread with a crisp butter lettuce leaf, this savory filling is elevated by a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made with grated cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Quick and easy to prepare in just under an hour, this dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome, family-friendly meal bursting with authentic Greek flavors. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or simply craving a Mediterranean escape, the Greek Mama will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, this recipe delivers all the elements of a classic gyro in a fresh, homemade package!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium (diced) red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 400 grams (1 can) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon (chopped) fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 medium (grated) cucumber
• 200 grams plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 pieces pita bread
• 4 leaves butter lettuce

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, and cumin, cooking for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Stir occasionally.

Step 7

Add chopped parsley and dill, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 8

While the beef is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce: Combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Step 9

Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven.

Step 10

Assemble the Greek Mama dish: Place a butter lettuce leaf on each warm pita bread, spoon the spiced beef mixture on top, and finish with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Step 11

Optional: Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	161482.8 grams (161482.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	35613

Total Fat 459.20g	589%
Saturated Fat 43.00g	215%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 352mg	117%
Sodium 17099mg	743%
Total Carbohydrate 7507.80g	2730%
Dietary Fiber 2023.10g	7225%
Total Sugars 4697.50g
Protein 1466.70g	2933%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 27143mg	2088%
Iron 1021mg	5671%
Potassium 336484mg	7159%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 10.3%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 75.0%