Spice up your weeknights: ground beef shawarma – a quick and easy recipe for busy families!

Shawarma, a beloved Middle Eastern street food, is a delectable combination of seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauces wrapped in pita bread or lavash. Traditionally made with lamb or chicken, this recipe introduces a flavorful twist using ground beef, offering an equally satisfying and budget-friendly option.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

For the Tahini Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

For the Pita Bread or Lavash:

• 4-6 pita breads or lavash, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season the Ground Beef

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, shawarma seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

While the ground beef is cooking, slice the cucumber, dice the tomato, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley.

4. Make the Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, salt, and cumin until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Shawarma

Lay out the warmed pita bread or lavash on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of tahini sauce on the bread. Top with the cooked ground beef, sliced cucumber, diced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.

6. Roll Up the Shawarma

Tightly roll up the pita bread or lavash, tucking in the ends to prevent the fillings from falling out.

7. Grill or Panini Press (Optional)

For a crispy exterior, heat a grill or panini press over medium heat. Place the assembled shawarma on the grill or press and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Variations:

• Chicken or Lamb: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or lamb for a more traditional shawarma experience.
• Vegetables: Add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, lettuce, carrots, or pickles.
• Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like hummus, garlic sauce, or spicy harissa for added flavor.
• Toppings: Top your shawarma with shredded cheese, olives, or feta cheese for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the ground beef shawarma immediately with additional tahini sauce on the side. Accompany it with crispy fries, a refreshing salad, or a bowl of flavorful lentil soup.

Tips:

• For the best flavor, let the seasoned ground beef marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use a high-quality shawarma seasoning for an authentic Middle Eastern taste.
• Slice the vegetables thinly to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
• If you don’t have a grill or panini press, you can toast the shawarma in a hot oven for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts:

Making ground beef shawarma at home is a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. With its irresistible flavors, customizable variations, and convenient preparation, this dish is a must-try for any food enthusiast. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stovetop, and embark on a journey to savor the authentic taste of shawarma.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef and will still provide a flavorful shawarma.

Q: How long can I store leftover shawarma?

A: Leftover shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze shawarma?

A: Yes, shawarma can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw completely before reheating.

Q: What is the best way to reheat shawarma?

A: Reheat shawarma in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q: Can I make shawarma without pita bread or lavash?

A: Yes, you can serve shawarma over rice, quinoa, or a bed of greens as a delicious and gluten-free option.