BEEF STEW WITH SPINACH PITAS

Beef Stew with Spinach Pitas image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend)
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with chiles
2 15-ounce cans no-salt-added chickpeas, undrained
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
Chopped fresh cilantro, for topping
2 pita breads, halved

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until softened, about 30 seconds. Stir in the ras el hanout. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas with their liquid and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, combine the spinach, cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves in a bowl; season with salt. Stuff the mixture into the pita halves, wrap each in foil and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
Divide the stew among bowls; top with cilantro. Serve with the spinach pitas.