Pita Cheeseburger Recipe

Name: Greek Cafes Pita Cheeseburger Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp onion powder; 1 tbs vegetable oil; 4 slice American or cheddar cheese slices; 2 piece large pita pockets; 2 cup iceberg lettuce; 1 piece tomato; 0.5 piece red onion; 4 slice pickles (optional); 2 tbs ketchup; 1 tbs yellow mustard; 2 tbs mayonnaise; 12 oz frozen French fries; 1 tbs butter (optional, for toasting pita)

Inspired by Greek Cafe

Time45m

Serves2

Ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion in pita bread & fries

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Ingredients

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Pita Cheeseburger

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp Watkins garlic powder

1/2 tsp Onion powder

1 tbs Tuscany sunflower oil

4 slice American or cheddar cheese slices

2 piece large pita pockets

2 cup iceberg lettuce

1 piece tomato

1/2 piece red onion

4 slice pickles (optional)

2 tbs Ketchup

1 tbs yellow mustard

2 tbs Mayonnaise

12 oz frozen French fries

1 tbs butter (optional, for toasting pita)

Method

Pita Cheeseburger

Prepare produce and condiments

Wash and dry the lettuce, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces to measure 2 cups. Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds. Slice the red onion thinly and separate into rings. If using pickles, have 4 slices ready. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise; set aside.

Preheat oven/fry fries

Preheat oven and baking sheet according to the frozen French fries package (typically 425°F / 220°C). Spread the 12 oz frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake per package instructions until golden and crisp (about 20-25 minutes), turning once halfway through. Alternatively, cook fries in an air fryer at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, shaking halfway.

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). With clean hands, form each portion into a thin patty slightly wider than the pita opening (about 3.5–4 inches across). Press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Season patties

Season both sides of each patty evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder divided across the patties (approximate distribution).

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When oil is shimmering, add the patties without overcrowding (cook in two batches if needed). Cook patties 3-4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more for medium; adjust time for desired doneness.

Melt cheese

During the last 30-45 seconds of cooking the second side, place a cheese slice on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and melt the cheese (about 30-60 seconds). Remove patties to a plate and let rest 1-2 minutes.

Warm and optionally toast pita

Warm the 2 pita pockets briefly: either wrap in foil and place in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or heat in a dry skillet over medium heat 30 seconds per side. If desired, spread 1 tablespoon butter over the outer sides of the pita and toast in a skillet until lightly browned, then keep warm.

Assemble sandwiches

Carefully open each pita pocket to create a pocket. Spread a tablespoon of the prepared sauce (ketchup/mayo/mustard mix) inside each pita pocket. Place two cheeseburger patties into each pita (or one thick patty per pita if preferred). Top with shredded lettuce (about 1 cup per pita), tomato slices (2–3 slices per pita), red onion rings to taste, and 2 pickle slices if using.

Serve

Serve the pita cheeseburgers immediately with the baked fries on the side. Provide extra ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise on the table as desired.