Lamb and Apricot Stuffed Pita with Za'atar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb and sweet apricot filling encased in warm pita bread, topped with aromatic za'atar for a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors. This middle eastern ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground lamb, finely chopped dried apricots, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 8 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and place one portion in the center of each pita pocket, then fold the edges to seal the pockets.
  3. Step 3: Place the sealed pitas seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp za'atar seasoning evenly over the tops of the pitas.
  5. Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and crispy, checking at 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with 1/4 cup plain yogurt for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamb and Apricot Stuffed Pita with Za'atar take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lamb and Apricot Stuffed Pita with Za'atar?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb and Apricot Stuffed Pita with Za'atar?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lamb and Apricot Stuffed Pita with Za'atar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lamb and Apricot Stuffed Pita with Za'atar?

Middle Eastern middle eastern like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes