Crispy homemade pita shells, saucy spiced lamb, and an assortment of toppings of your choosing: this Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar is the ultimate party spread.
Jump to RecipeI love a good taco bar. Personally, I think that it’s one of the best ways to serve a crowd. I mean, who doesn’t love building their own tacos from a big ole spread? It’s pretty much always a winner. However, in my opinion, Mexican taco bars have been overdone, and can get pretty boring. There’s only so many ways you can add guac, salsa, and a protein to a tortilla… right? If I’m making a spread for a crowd, I rather mix things up a bit. If you’re feeling the same way, this Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar is for you!
The breakdown…
This Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar is definitely not my typical recipe. It all starts off with an easy pita bread shell base and a spiced ground lamb mixture, but the rest of the recipe is really up to you! Really, this “recipe” is more of a guide, as you can make your spread as simple or as extravagant as you would like!
First things first, though, you’ve got to make those shells! These shells are honestly so fun, and, despite seeming difficult at first, they’re really not that bad once you get the hang of it. Start off by splitting each pita pocket into two thinner pieces. You can do this with a really sharp knife or just gently with your hands. They don’t have to be perfect!! For these shells, I do recommend using store bought pita pockets (unless you’re a pita making connoisseur). Really, this just ensures that you have a good pocket that’s easy to pull apart. The thinner the pita, the crispier the shell. Don’t skip this step!
those pita shells…
Next up, you definitely want to heat up your pitas with a damp paper towel in the microwave. This allows your pita to get extra pliable, and makes it much easier to drape into a “U” shape over the racks in your oven. Then, after they get hit with some oil, garlic powder, and salt, it’s time to send those pitas to the oven. I definitely recommend using a pair of tongs for this step, as you’ll be draping each pita over hot racks. I also suggest doing this in the middle rack of your oven. If you need to, you could do this in a few rotations to get the hang of it. These shells last for a while once baked, so you could easily make them in advance.
all about that spiced lamb!!
Once your shells are good to go, it’s time to get cracking on the bulk of this dish: that spiced lamb. This ground lamb mixture is truly the epitome of comforting Greek food… at least to me. With warming spices, like coriander, cumin, paprika, and oregano, you truly get transported to the Middle East. Plus, with just a little bite from the garlic and onions and some salt and pepper, this mixture could not be easier!! Just don’t forget the broth… this adds so much moisture to the lamb, which can notoriously be dry!!
While you’re letting your pita taco shells cool and your lamb simmer, you can go ahead and prepare the rest of your taco bar! The best part about this spread is that you can truly make it as simple or extravagant as you would like. When it comes to making an average family dinner, I love to whip up my Greek Style Bruschetta to stuff inside each shell with the meat. That, with an array of whatever dips/spreads we have in our kitchen, makes for the perfect, simple taco bar.
dress it up or down!!
That being said, you could also make this Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar totally over the top! With an array of dips, like hummus, baba ganoush, and/or tzatziki, everyone at your gathering can pick their favorite. Plus, with an assortment of different veggie fillings, like my Greek Style Bruschetta, Tabbouleh, romaine, eggplant, and so much more, their tacos can be totally customizable! Really, there’s no wrong way to build your dream Greek taco. The possibilities are endless!!
Whether you make this Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar for a simple weeknight dinner, or throw it together for a crowd, I hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know what you think in the comments below:)
Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar
Course: Main Course, TacosCuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, Middle EasternDifficulty: Easy12
tacos15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesCrispy homemade pita shells, saucy spiced lamb, and an assortment of toppings of your choosing: this Mezze Board Spiced Lamb Taco Bar is the ultimate party spread.
Ingredients
- pita taco shells:
6 large pita pockets, pulled apart to create 12 thin circles
Olive oil or olive oil spray, as needed
garlic powder, as needed
Salt, as needed
- spiced lamb:
2 tbsp olive oil
½ a yellow onion, diced
1 lb ground lamb*
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock (or water)
- taco bar suggestions:
Dips, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and/or tzatziki
Tabbouleh, store bought or homemade
Feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
Olives
Shredded Romaine
Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, and/or mint
Marinated artichokes
Roasted eggplant
Roasted red peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Heat the thin pitas in between 2 damp paper towels for 1 minute in the microwave. Transfer to a baking sheet and brush or spray olive oil onto both sides of every pita, making sure they are entirely coated. Then, sprinkle each with some garlic powder and salt.
- Using a pair of tongs, drape each pita over two bars in your oven rack, allowing them to form an upside down “U” shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pitas are golden and crisp. With tongs, carefully remove the pitas from the oven and let them cool.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat. Once hot, add the onion. Saute for 2 minutes, then add the lamb. Saute for another 3-5 minutes, or until the lamb is browned and the onions are translucent. Then, stir in the garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. After everything is mixed together, pour in the stock. Bring the liquids to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and allow the meat to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Assemble your taco bar with some of the spiced lamb, crispy shells, and an assortment of toppings of your choice. Build your dream Greek taco and enjoy!