This Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes comes together in about 30 minutes and is grilled to perfection for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Honestly, these pitas make the best comfort food, and I just know you’ll find them as delightful as I do.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Pita Bread
- Ground Beef or Lamb
- Onion, Finely Chopped
- Garlic, Minced
- Parsley, Chopped
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Allspice, Salt, Pepper)
- Olive Oil
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes
Preheat the Grill: Fire up your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot, hot, hot! (For those of you who are like me and don’t always get to that first step right away, it’s okay. Multi-tasking is key!)
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and all those lovely spices. Season generously with salt and pepper, just a couple pinches to start. Mix well with your hands (it’s the best way to do it!) until everything is combined. You want to get in there and make sure every bite is packed with tons of flavor!
Prep the Pitas: Cut the pita bread in half to create a pocket, and stuff each half generously with that savory meat mixture. Don’t be shy; you want them packed!
Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the outside of each stuffed pita with a little olive oil. This will help them get that gorgeous golden color and crispy texture when grilling.
Grill Away: Place the stuffed pitas on your grill or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to watch them closely (nobody likes burnt food, trust me, I’ve burned my fair share in the past)!
Serve Hot: Once they’re done, serve hot with a side of tahini or yogurt for dipping. Your taste buds will thank you!
Personal Connection to This Dish
This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for something both comforting and easy. I’m a real sucker for anything that feels like home, and Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes really hits the spot. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this dish never fails to impress! And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand to make it work. Just thinking about these warm, crispy pitas makes my mouth water!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Lebanese Moussaka (Maghmour), my Malfouf Mahshi, or my Lebanese Rice with Chicken!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights! You won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Customizable
The filling is highly customizable! Use whatever you have or whatever you like. Got a bit of leftover grilled chicken? Toss it in! This is a great way to clean out the fridge.
Crowd-Pleaser
These stuffed pitas are big on flavor and fun to eat! Great for casual family dinners or whenever friends come over. Seriously, everyone will love it!
Minimal Cleanup
With everything cooked in one spot, the cleanup is easy-peasy. You’re welcome!
Comfort Food
This recipe is loaded with tons of flavor, every bite feels like a warm hug. What more could you want from a meal?
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tasty pitas with a side of fresh salad, tzatziki, or crispy fries. They also pair beautifully with a simple yogurt sauce for dipping.
Storage
They’re best enjoyed right away, but if you have leftovers (which, honestly, is rare), keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to reheat, pop them back onto the grill or in the skillet for a couple of minutes on each side until warm and crispy again, no sogginess here!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these pitas before grilling. Just wrap them tight in foil or plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw and grill!
And there you have it! These Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes are quick, easy, and a delightful addition to any family dinner. Don’t forget, the best part is how versatile they are, so get creative and make them your own! Enjoy every bite and let me know how they turn out. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and all spices. Season generously with salt and pepper, and mix well with your hands.
- Cut the pita bread in half to create pockets, then stuff each half generously with the meat mixture.
- Brush the outside of each stuffed pita with a little olive oil.
- Place the stuffed pitas on your grill or skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with a side of tahini or yogurt for dipping.