This Middle Eastern-inspired dish layers creamy, homemade hummus with sizzling, aromatic spiced beef. Finished with fresh herbs and served with warm, char-grilled pita, it’s a bold and satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spiced Beef with Hummus & Grilled Pita delivers a stunning contrast of textures and flavors. The creamy hummus offers a rich base, while the beef—infused with warming spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika—adds depth and complexity. Finished with lemon juice, fresh herbs, and optional chili flakes, this dish is flavorful, vibrant, and deeply comforting. It’s excellent for entertaining or transforming a weeknight meal into something special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the beef:
- beef sirloin or flank steak, finely chopped
- olive oil
- ground cumin
- paprika
- ground coriander
- cinnamon
- cayenne (optional)
- salt and pepper
- garlic cloves, minced
- lemon juice
For the hummus:
- canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- tahini
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- garlic clove
- ground cumin
- salt
- cold water
To serve:
- grilled pita bread
- fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- chili flakes (optional)
Directions
- Make the hummus: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped beef.
- Season with cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well browned and slightly crispy.
- Add lemon juice and stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Assemble: Spread the hummus onto a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the hot spiced beef over the hummus.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or mint and a sprinkle of chili flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately with warm grilled pita bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use spiced mushrooms or lentils instead of beef for a meatless option.
- Add Veggies: Top with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- Different Meats: Ground lamb or turkey can be used in place of beef.
- Pita Alternatives: Serve with lavash, naan, or fresh vegetable crudités.
- Herb Hummus: Blend fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the hummus for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover beef and hummus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the beef, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Hummus can be served cold or brought to room temperature. For best results, warm the pita in a dry skillet or oven before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought hummus?
Yes, store-bought hummus works well if you’re short on time, but homemade offers superior freshness and flavor.
What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin and flank steak are ideal due to their flavor and tenderness when finely chopped. Ground beef can also be used.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from spices. To make it spicier, add cayenne or chili flakes to taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the hummus and cook the beef in advance, then reheat before assembling and serving.
What sides go well with this dish?
Tabbouleh, cucumber salad, or a simple tomato salad pair wonderfully with the dish.
How do I keep hummus from being too thick?
Add cold water gradually during blending until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I grill the beef instead of pan-frying?
Grilling works well if the beef is kept in larger strips or pieces. Finely chopped beef is better suited to skillet cooking.
How do I warm the pita properly?
Grill or toast pita on a dry skillet or open flame for about 1 minute per side until warm and slightly charred.
Can I freeze the beef?
Yes, cooked spiced beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Is tahini necessary for hummus?
Tahini is traditional and adds creaminess, but it can be omitted or replaced with a small amount of Greek yogurt or olive oil for a different texture.
Conclusion
Spiced Beef with Hummus & Grilled Pita is a rich, flavorful dish that showcases the best of Middle Eastern cuisine. With its creamy base, aromatic beef topping, and fresh garnishes, it’s as impressive to serve as it is satisfying to eat. Perfect for a shared appetizer or a main course, this dish brings bold, dynamic flavors to any table.
Print
Spiced Beef with Hummus & Grilled Pita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring creamy hummus topped with spiced, sizzling beef, fresh herbs, and served with warm grilled pita bread. Perfect for sharing or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- 2–4 tbsp cold water
- Grilled pita bread
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Make the hummus: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt until smooth. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chopped beef.
- Season with cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is deeply browned and crisp in spots, about 8–10 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and stir to coat.
- Assemble: Spread hummus onto a serving plate. Top with the hot spiced beef, then sprinkle with herbs and chili flakes.
- Serve with warm grilled pita.
Notes
- Use lean beef for a less greasy topping.
- Hummus can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Try lamb as a flavorful alternative to beef.
- Serve with pickled vegetables for added tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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