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Tomato Basil Beef Pita Bake

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Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of our Tomato Basil Beef Pita Bake! This dish combines tender beef cooked in a luscious tomato basil sauce, perfectly complemented by fresh green beans and vibrant spinach. It's all served over warm pita, topped with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This quick, satisfying meal is perfect for busy evenings but feels gourmet enough for a special occasion. Feel free to get creative with your greens or herbs—this recipe is all about flexibility and flavor!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Red Dinner Night
Cuisine: Global (Mediterranean-inspired)
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 200 g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 150 g green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 cm pieces
  • 400 g canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 g fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • 4 pita breads
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 50 g chopped cilantro for garnish optional
  • 100 g feta cheese, crumbled optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Heatproof mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • 8-inch square baking dish

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  4. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat, then add the canned diced tomatoes and green beans to the skillet. Stir in the chopped basil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning, if necessary.
  6. Toast the pita breads briefly in a toaster or on a hot skillet until warm.
  7. To serve, spoon the beef mixture generously over each pita, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro (and feta cheese if using). Enjoy warm!

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a leaner option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken!
Feel free to mix and match your greens; kale or swiss chard would also be fantastic in this dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Get creative with the toppings! A drizzle of tzatziki adds a refreshing twist. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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