Smoked Beef and Bleu Cheese Pita Wrap: A Delicious Fusion of Smoky, Creamy, and Fresh Flavors
If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful meal that combines tender smoked beef with creamy cheese and fresh vegetables, the Smoked Beef and Bleu Cheese Pita Wrap is the perfect option. This wrap brings together the deep, smoky taste of beef, the tanginess of bleu cheese, and crisp, refreshing toppings—all wrapped up in a soft, warm pita. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick lunch, a meal prep option, or a gourmet BBQ-style meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Smoky: The smoked beef brings a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Creamy & Tangy: Bleu cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the smoky beef.
- Simple & Quick: With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish comes together fast.
- Versatile & Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Smoked Beef:
- 1 lb beef (ribeye, tri-tip, or brisket)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Wrap:
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- ½ cup crumbled bleu cheese
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or arugula)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup cucumber (sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
1. Preheat the Smoker
To start, preheat your smoker to 225°F. Choose wood like hickory or oak, which impart a deep, smoky flavor to the beef.
2. Season & Smoke the Beef
Rub the beef with olive oil and then sprinkle it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. These seasonings will create a flavorful crust as the beef smokes.
Place the seasoned beef directly on the smoker grates. Smoke the beef for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare (or 140°F for medium). Once cooked to your desired level, remove the beef from the smoker, tent it with foil, and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute for a more tender and flavorful slice.
3. Prepare the Bleu Cheese Sauce
While the beef is resting, make the bleu cheese sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, bleu cheese crumbles, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined. The tanginess of the yogurt and the richness of the bleu cheese create a perfect balance for the smoky beef.
4. Warm the Pita and Assemble the Wraps
Warm your pita breads or flatbreads by briefly grilling or toasting them on a skillet for about 30 seconds per side. This step enhances the texture of the pita, making it soft yet slightly crispy.
Spread a spoonful of the bleu cheese sauce on each warm pita. This sauce will act as the base for the other ingredients.
Next, layer your pita with shredded lettuce, thin slices of the smoked beef, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh cucumber slices. The vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the smoked beef and creamy sauce.
Top with crumbled bleu cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Once assembled, fold the pita to create a wrap. Serve immediately with extra bleu cheese sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. The wrap is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a part of a BBQ spread.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the wrap for an extra layer of spice.
- Garlic Herb Sauce: Mix in minced garlic and fresh dill into the bleu cheese sauce for a more herbal twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap out the pita for lettuce wraps to make this a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.
- Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, add more cheeses like shredded mozzarella or feta to enhance the flavor.
- BBQ Twist: Replace the bleu cheese sauce with BBQ aioli for a smoky-sweet flavor combination.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover smoked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If you’re reheating the wraps, be sure to wrap them in foil and reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
Freezing: You can freeze the sliced smoked beef for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then gently warm it before assembling the wraps.
Smoked Beef and Bleu Cheese Pita Wrap
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (ribeye, tri-tip, or brisket)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- ½ cup crumbled bleu cheese
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or arugula)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup cucumber (sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F with hickory or oak wood for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Rub the beef with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Place the beef on the smoker and cook for 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, bleu cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil until creamy. Set aside.
- Warm the pita breads in a skillet for 30 seconds per side. Spread a spoonful of the bleu cheese sauce on each pita.
- Layer each pita with shredded lettuce, sliced smoked beef, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and parsley. Drizzle with more bleu cheese sauce and fold the pita into a wrap.
- Serve immediately with extra bleu cheese sauce on the side.
Nutrition
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Cuts like ribeye, tri-tip, or brisket work best for smoking, as they provide tenderness and flavor after the long cooking time.
Can I use store-bought pita bread?
Yes, store-bought pita works perfectly well! Just warm it slightly before assembling the wrap for the best texture.
How do I prevent the wrap from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, don’t over-saturate the pita with sauce. Spread the sauce lightly and assemble the wrap just before serving.
Can I grill the beef instead of smoking it?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a smoker, you can grill the beef over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add extra toppings such as roasted red peppers, avocado, hummus, or a drizzle of tzatziki for additional flavor.
Can I substitute the bleu cheese with another cheese?
Yes, feta or goat cheese are great alternatives to bleu cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, if you use a low-carb wrap or swap the pita for lettuce wraps, this dish becomes keto-friendly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Smoke the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready, quickly assemble the wraps for an easy, fast meal.
How should I slice the beef for the best texture?
Always slice the beef against the grain to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
What should I serve with these pita wraps?
Pair the pita wraps with roasted potatoes, a fresh side salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Smoked Beef and Bleu Cheese Pita Wrap is a delicious and easy meal that brings together smoky beef, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables in a handheld package. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a gourmet BBQ meal, this wrap is sure to become a favorite. Fire up the smoker and enjoy this delightful fusion of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors!