Crispy Egyptian Hawawshi with Spiced Ground Beef | CookOS

Crispy Egyptian Hawawshi: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Name: Crispy Egyptian Hawawshi with Spiced Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef (Can use lamb or turkey for variety.); 1 medium Onion (Can substitute with shallots for a milder taste.); 1/2 cup Parsley (Cilantro can be used for a different flavor.); 2 cloves Garlic (Can be used minced or crushed.); 2 teaspoons Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder, Cinnamon) (Adjust spice levels according to taste.); 4 pieces Pita Bread (Fresh pitas yield better results; freeze any leftovers.); 2 tablespoons Ghee or Olive Oil (Use butter if preferred.)

Egyptian Hawawshi is a crispy, herb-filled pita pocket stuffed with seasoned ground beef and aromatics, offering authentic Middle Eastern comfort in a handheld format. The key to success is achieving a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.

🌍Middle Eastern 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Easy recipes 🏷️Egyptian hawawshi 🏷️Pita Savory

About·Privacy·Terms

🏷️

🏷️Spiced beef

Crispy Egyptian Hawawshi: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Recipesbyfiona · by Fiona

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef (Can use lamb or turkey for variety.)
1 medium Onion (Can substitute with shallots for a milder taste.)
1/2 cup Parsley (Cilantro can be used for a different flavor.)
2 cloves Garlic (Can be used minced or crushed.)
2 teaspoons Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder, Cinnamon) (Adjust spice levels according to taste.)
4 pieces Pita Bread (Fresh pitas yield better results; freeze any leftovers.)
2 tablespoons Ghee or Olive Oil (Use butter if preferred.)

7 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, chopped parsley, garlic, and spices. Mix until evenly distributed.
3
Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets and stuff each half with the meat mixture.
4
Brush each stuffed pita with melted ghee or olive oil. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5
For extra crunch, sear the baked pitas in a hot skillet for a minute before serving. Cut into wedges and enjoy.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until deeply caramelized before adding aromatics—this builds flavor and prevents a watery filling.
Drain excess liquid from the beef mixture before stuffing the pitas to keep them crispy and prevent sogginess.
Use warm, fresh pita bread for easier handling when stuffing; cold pitas crack more readily.
Fry at medium-high heat for a golden, crispy exterior without burning the bread—aim for 2–3 minutes per side.

Substitutions

Ground beef → Ground lamb or ground turkey (adjust cooking time slightly for leaner meats)
Parsley → Cilantro (provides a brighter, more citrusy flavor profile)
Onion → Shallots (milder sweetness and more delicate texture)
Ghee or olive oil → Butter (use clarified butter to avoid burning)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked Hawawshi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.

Common Questions

Can I make Hawawshi ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the beef filling up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Stuff and cook the pitas just before serving for optimal crispiness.

What's the best way to get the pita crispy?

Pan-fry in ghee or olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Don't skip the oil—it's essential for texture.

Can I use ground lamb or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground lamb offers a richer flavor; ground turkey is a leaner option. Both work well with the same spice blend and cooking time.

How do I store leftover Hawawshi?

Keep cooked Hawawshi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.

What spices go into the filling?

The traditional blend uses cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cinnamon. Adjust quantities to your heat preference—start with 1/2 teaspoon of each and taste as you go.