Nova Scotia Donairs

Savor the irresistible flavors of Nova Scotia Donairs, the iconic Canadian street food that’s a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. This homemade version features spiced, oven-baked ground beef formed into a tender loaf, then thinly sliced for the perfect texture. The dish shines with its signature creamy donair sauce, made from sweetened condensed milk, white vinegar, and garlic powder, offering a unique blend of sweetness and zing. Served on warm pita bread and loaded with fresh toppings like diced tomato, onion, and crisp lettuce, these donairs are a crave-worthy meal perfect for dinner or late-night indulgence. Easy to prepare at home with everyday ingredients, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Halifax.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground beef
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 can (about 6 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
• 0.25 cup White vinegar
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (for sauce)
• 4 Large pita bread
• 2 medium Tomato (diced)
• 1 medium White onion (diced)
• 2 cups Shredded lettuce

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.

Step 3

Mix the beef mixture thoroughly by kneading it with your hands until it is fully combined and has a smooth consistency.

Step 4

Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet or into a loaf pan.

Step 5

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing very thinly.

Step 6

While the meat is cooking, prepare the donair sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, white vinegar, and garlic powder. The mixture should thicken into a creamy sauce.

Step 7

Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or in a low oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.

Step 8

To assemble the donairs, place a generous amount of thinly sliced meat onto the center of a pita bread. Top with diced tomato, diced onion, shredded lettuce, and drizzle with donair sauce.

Step 9

Fold the pita around the filling like a wrap and serve immediately. Optionally, wrap in parchment or foil to hold the shape.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1857.4 grams (1857.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3506

Total Fat 181.10g	232%
Saturated Fat 71.40g	357%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 631mg	210%
Sodium 6102mg	265%
Total Carbohydrate 292.30g	106%
Dietary Fiber 20.60g	74%
Total Sugars 70.10g
Protein 202.80g	406%

Vitamin D 7IU	34%
Calcium 591mg	45%
Iron 29mg	163%
Potassium 3870mg	82%

*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: 45.1%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 32.4%