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Greek Meatball Pitas

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Greek Meatball Pitas are an easy and healthy dinner bursting with flavor. Ground beef and pork are mixed with seasonings like oregano, dill, and mint to create tender meatballs, which are baked to perfection. They're served in warm pita bread with fresh tzatziki sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, and feta. Whether you're hosting guests or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish offers a fresh take on Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Quick to prepare and delicious to enjoy, it's sure to become a household favorite!

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fred recipes by clare
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:12:48 GMT
Greek Meatball Pitas Pin it
Greek Meatball Pitas | recipesbyclare.com

This Greek meatball pita recipe transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to a seaside taverna in Greece. The combination of tender, herb-infused meatballs nestled in soft pitas with cool tzatziki and fresh toppings creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes for any weeknight dinner.

I first made these Greek meatball pitas when hosting friends who had just returned from traveling through Greece. The authentic flavors brought them right back to their vacation, and now this has become my go to impressive yet easy dinner party recipe.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef and pork: Creates the perfect flavor and texture balance for authentic meatballs
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs light and tender while helping them hold their shape
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and mint: Bring bright, authentic Mediterranean flavor
  • Feta cheese: Adds tangy saltiness both inside the meatballs and as a topping
  • Greek yogurt: Forms the base of the creamy tzatziki for the perfect cool contrast
  • English cucumber: Provides the ideal crunch and freshness without excess seeds
  • Fresh garlic: Infuses both the meatballs and tzatziki with aromatic depth
  • Warm pita bread: Creates the perfect pocket for holding all these delicious components

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:
Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature perfectly caramelizes the exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
Grate the Onion:
Use a box grater to shred your onion into a large mixing bowl. Grating rather than chopping releases more flavor compounds and ensures the onion distributes evenly throughout the meat mixture without chunky bits.
Mix Meatball Ingredients:
Add all remaining meatball ingredients to the bowl with the grated onion. Use clean hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Overmixing will make tough meatballs, so stop once everything looks evenly distributed.
Form the Meatballs:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion meat mixture into approximately 32 uniformly sized meatballs. Roll each between your palms to form perfect spheres, placing them with a bit of space between each on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. This ensures even browning on all sides. Look for a nice golden exterior with an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Create Tzatziki Sauce:
While meatballs bake, grate cucumber and salt it in a strainer. This critical step draws out excess moisture for a thick, not watery, sauce. After 5 minutes, squeeze out remaining liquid before mixing with yogurt and seasonings.
Prepare Fresh Toppings:
Shred lettuce, slice tomatoes and red onions thinly, and crumble feta while the meatballs finish cooking. Having everything ready creates an efficient assembly process for serving.
Assemble Your Pitas:
Warm pitas briefly to make them pliable. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki, then add lettuce, tomato, red onion, and 5-6 meatballs. Sprinkle with feta cheese before folding or rolling.
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Greek Meatball Pitas | recipesbyclare.com

The first time I served these at a family gathering, my Greek grandfather actually teared up saying the flavors reminded him of his childhood in Thessaloniki. The secret is balancing the warm spices with the bright fresh herbs and not skimping on the garlic.

Make Ahead Options

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility for busy schedules. You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The tzatziki actually improves with a few hours of chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. For maximum efficiency, you can fully cook the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them gently in the microwave or a low oven just before serving. This makes these Greek pitas perfect for entertaining or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork, just add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture. Gluten-free eaters can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even cooked quinoa in place of panko. Dairy-free yogurt works wonderfully in the tzatziki, though you may need to add a bit more lemon juice to compensate for the tanginess. For a low-carb alternative, serve the meatballs and toppings in lettuce cups instead of pitas.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this meal into a full Mediterranean feast by serving alongside simple sides. A Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and more feta complements the flavors perfectly. Lemon-herb roasted potatoes make an excellent starchy side, or keep it lighter with a side of hummus and vegetable crudités. For a more casual gathering, set up a build-your-own pita bar with all components separated, allowing guests to customize their perfect bite. A chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light beer pairs beautifully with these flavorful pitas.

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Greek Meatball Pitas | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I store leftover Greek Meatball Pitas?

Store ingredients separately for best results. Keep meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling pitas.

→ Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, store-bought tzatziki works well if you're short on time, but homemade gives a fresher and more personalized flavor.

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and cook the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat before assembling the pitas.

→ What can I use instead of pita bread?

Flatbreads, naan, or even lettuce wraps make great alternatives to pita bread for this dish.

→ Can I adjust the seasoning in the meatballs?

Yes, feel free to adjust seasonings like oregano, dill, or mint to suit your taste preferences.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prep the components in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the pitas just before serving.

Greek Meatball Pitas

Greek meatballs, tzatziki, and toppings wrapped in a warm pita for a flavorful meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pita

01 6 pita bread

→ Greek Meatballs

02 1 lb ground beef (medium or lean)
03 ½ lb ground pork (or ground beef)
04 1 red onion (medium)
05 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
06 ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
07 6 cloves garlic (minced)
08 1 egg
09 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
10 1 tablespoon fresh mint (minced)
11 2 teaspoons dried oregano
12 1 teaspoon dried dill
13 1 teaspoon cumin
14 ½ teaspoon salt
15 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
16 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Tzatziki Sauce

17 2 cups Greek yogurt (plain, 2% for thicker sauce or 0% for thinner sauce)
18 1 cucumber (English cucumber)
19 1 teaspoon salt
20 1 clove garlic (finely minced or shredded)
21 ½ lemon (juiced)
22 1 teaspoon dill (fresh or ½ teaspoon dried)
23 1 teaspoon salt

→ Pita Toppings

24 2 cups lettuce (shredded)
25 1 tomato (thinly sliced)
26 ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
27 ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
28 Oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Step 01

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a box grater or knife to finely shred or chop the onion. Combine the onion with all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix until evenly combined. Use a scoop or tablespoon to portion out approximately 32 meatballs. Roll the meatballs and place them on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through cooking to flip the meatballs. Prepare tzatziki and toppings while they cook.


Greek Meatball Pitas
Step 02

If using store-bought tzatziki, skip this step. Shred the cucumber with a box grater, leaving the peel and seeds intact for best flavor and color. Place the shredded cucumber in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze the cucumber to remove remaining water and discard the liquid. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, drained cucumber, and 1 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.


Greek Meatball Pitas
Step 03

Warm the pita bread and spread tzatziki sauce on one side. Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, crumbled feta, and 5-6 cooked meatballs. Roll up the pita tightly and wrap it in foil or parchment paper for easier handling.

Tools You'll Need

  • Box grater
  • Sheet pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fine mesh strainer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (feta and Greek yogurt)
  • Contains gluten (panko breadcrumbs, pita bread)
  • Contains egg (in meatballs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 593
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~