Dinner

Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes: The Ultimate Beef Pita Classic Recipe

Name: Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes: The Ultimate Beef Pita Classic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491719H54M40S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: ½ lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio); ½ small onion, grated; 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ cup chopped parsley; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 (6-inch) pita breads, halved to form 4 pockets; 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing); ¼ tsp chili flakes for heat; 1 tbsp tahini for extra flavor; Chopped pine nuts for crunch

ByRita Bennet January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

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Introduction

Crispy and juicy Lebanese Arayes are a delicious way to enjoy seasoned ground beef stuffed inside warm pita bread. This classic Middle Eastern dish combines fragrant spices and tender meat with a satisfyingly crisp exterior, making it perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

The image shows three thick, semicircle-shaped stuffed flatbreads layered on a round wooden board, with the top one being held by a woman's hand. Each flatbread has a crispy, golden-brown exterior with some darker char spots, revealing a thick, minced meat filling inside mixed with small green herbs. The layers of dough are soft and slightly fluffy with a light beige color, while the minced meat layer is dense and richly brown with flecks of green. Next to the flatbreads on the board is a small white bowl filled with creamy white sauce topped with chopped green herbs. The wooden board sits on a white marbled surface, scattered with a few fresh green herb leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
½ small onion, grated

1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup chopped parsley

½ tsp cumin
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Salt and black pepper to taste
2 (6-inch) pita breads, halved to form 4 pockets
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Add-ins:

¼ tsp chili flakes for heat
1 tbsp tahini for extra flavor

Chopped pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until fully mixed.
Step 2: Cut each pita in half and gently open the pockets. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each pocket, flattening evenly.

Step 3: Lightly brush both sides of each stuffed pita with olive oil and press gently to distribute the filling evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Arayes using one of the following methods:
- Grill on medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Use a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat, flipping when golden brown.
- Bake on a tray at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Let the Arayes rest briefly after cooking, then slice and serve warm with your favorite dips or salads.

Tips & Variations

Add chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Mix in tahini for a richer flavor profile.
Sprinkle chopped pine nuts into the filling for added texture and crunch.

Use fresh pita bread for best results—thin and soft pitas work especially well.

Storage

Store leftover Arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet or oven to keep the outside crisp. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pita soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows three thick, golden-brown stuffed flatbreads stacked on a round wooden board, each cut in half to reveal a dense filling of cooked ground meat mixed with small green herbs. The flatbreads have a crisp, slightly charred outer crust with a soft, fluffy inside. Next to the stack, a small white bowl contains a creamy white sauce topped with green herb garnish. A woman's hand holds the top half of the flatbread stack, lifting it slightly to show the inside. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture with small green herb pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, ground lamb or a beef-lamb mix works beautifully and adds a traditional touch to Arayes.

How do I keep the pita from getting soggy?

Make sure to brush olive oil evenly and cook on medium heat so the bread crisps up nicely without steaming. Using fresh pita also helps maintain crispiness.