Crispy Beef Arayes with Whipped Feta Tahini Dip

Jul 9

Written By Amelia

These crispy beef arayes are packed with juicy, seasoned beef, grilled until golden brown (and a little char), and served with a creamy whipped feta tahini sauce and a fresh cucumber tomato salad for an insanely flavorful meal!

About These Crispy Beef Arayes with Whipped Feta Tahini Dip

If you've never had arayes before, you're in for a treat!!! This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe features pita bread stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, garlic, parsley, and warm spices before being grilled until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Paired with a creamy whipped feta tahini sauce and a refreshing cucumber tomato salad, it's an easy meal that's full of flavor and perfect for weeknights, cookouts, or entertaining- you will LOVEEEE!

Why You'll Love

Crispy, golden pita with juicy, flavorful beef
Ready in under an hour
Easy ingredients you can find at most grocery stores
Packed with fresh herbs and warm spices
The whipped feta tahini sauce is drinkably delicious
Great for lunch, dinner, or entertaining
Delicious on the grill or in a pan

Ingredients You'll Need

Beef Filling

Ground beef
Yellow onion
Garlic
Fresh parsley
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Paprika
Crushed red pepper flakes
Ground cinnamon
Dried oregano

Assembly

Pita bread
Olive oil
Butter

Whipped Feta Tahini Sauce

Feta cheese
Tahini
Plain Greek yogurt
Lemon juice
Garlic
Olive oil
Water
Black pepper

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Persian cucumbers
Roma tomatoes
Green onions
Fresh parsley
Olive oil
Lemon
Salt
Pepper

How to Make

Mix the seasoned beef filling and let it rest while you prepare the whipped feta tahini sauce and cucumber tomato salad. Stuff each pita with a thin layer of the beef mixture, brush with butter and olive oil, and grill or cook in a cast-iron skillet until the pita is crispy and the beef is cooked through. Slice in half and serve warm with the creamy sauce, fresh salad, and lemon wedges.

Tips for Success

Grate the onion instead of chopping it for the juiciest filling.
Don't squeeze too much liquid from the onion—it keeps the beef moist.
Press the meat into an even layer all the way to the edges of the pita.
Brush both sides generously with the butter and olive oil mixture for maximum crispiness.
Cook over medium heat so the pita gets crispy before the beef overcooks.
Let the cucumber tomato salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are arayes?
Arayes are Middle Eastern stuffed pitas filled with seasoned ground meat and grilled until crispy.

Can I make these on the grill?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until the pita is crispy and the beef reaches 160°F.

Can I use ground lamb?
Absolutely. Ground lamb or a combination of beef and lamb both work wonderfully.

Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef filling and sauce a day ahead. Assemble and cook just before serving for the crispiest results.

Can I freeze arayes?
Yes. Assemble the stuffed pitas, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to Serve With

Whipped feta tahini sauce
Cucumber tomato salad
Hummus
Tzatziki
Pickled vegetables
Rice pilaf
Grilled vegetables
French fries or roasted potatoes

More Recipes You'll Love

Crispy Beef Arayes with Whipped Feta Tahini Dip

Yield: 4

Author: Amelia is NOT a Chef

Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 40 Min

These crispy beef arayes are stuffed with a flavorful blend of ground beef, fresh parsley, garlic, and warm Middle Eastern-inspired spices before being grilled until golden brown and crisp. Served with a creamy whipped feta tahini sauce, they're an easy, satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining!

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Areyas

1 lb 85/15 ground beef
½ small yellow onion, finely grated (squeeze out some of the juice)
3 garlic cloves, grated
½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
FOR ASSEMBLY
4 pita breads
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter

Whipped Feta Tahini Sauce

4 oz feta cheese
¼ cup tahini
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon olive oil
⅜–½ cup cold water (start with ⅜ cup and add more as needed)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion (including the juices), garlic, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and oregano.
Mix just until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat.
Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the feta, tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, black pepper, and ⅜ cup cold water to a food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Cut each pita in half to create pockets.
Divide the beef mixture evenly among the pita halves, pressing it into a thin, even layer all the way to the edges.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and olive oil. Brush both sides of each stuffed pita generously.
Heat a cast-iron skillet, grill, or grill pan over medium heat.
Cook the arayes for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the pita is crispy and deeply golden brown and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Slice each arayes in half and serve warm with the whipped feta tahini sauce, cucumber tomato salad, and fresh lemon wedges.