Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

Introduction

Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is a savory, flaky delight filled with spiced ground meat and fresh herbs. This traditional dish combines crisp layers of buttery phyllo with a hearty, flavorful filling, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 package phyllo dough (thawed)
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing phyllo)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 more minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Allow the filling to cool slightly, then stir in chopped fresh parsley and the beaten egg until well combined.
6. Step 6: Lay 6 to 7 sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, brushing each sheet lightly with melted butter before adding the next.
7. Step 7: Spread the meat filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
8. Step 8: Top the filling with another 6 to 7 sheets of phyllo, again brushing each sheet with melted butter.
9. Step 9: Using a sharp knife, gently score the top layers of phyllo into serving-sized pieces.
10. Step 10: Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
11. Step 11: Allow the pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and lamb.
• Keep phyllo covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out and tearing.
• Try adding crumbled feta cheese to the filling for an extra tangy twist.
• Use clarified butter or olive oil for brushing phyllo if you want a slightly different texture or flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the phyllo crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen phyllo dough directly from the freezer?

Phyllo dough should be fully thawed according to package instructions before use to prevent tearing and ensure even baking.

Is it possible to make this pie vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of vegetables and legumes for a flavorful vegetarian version.

Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 118 reviews

This Greek Phyllo Meat Pie, also known as Burek or Kreatopita, features a savory filling of ground beef or lamb seasoned with aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice, layered between crisp, buttery sheets of phyllo dough. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a festive gathering, this pie offers a delightful contrast of flaky pastry and rich meat filling.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Phyllo Dough

• 1 package phyllo dough (thawed)
• 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing phyllo)

Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor to the pie base.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
3. Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until browned, stirring and breaking up lumps. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
4. Season the Filling: Stir in the tomato paste along with ground cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors well, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
5. Mix in Parsley and Egg: Once the filling is slightly cooled, stir in chopped fresh parsley and the beaten egg. The egg acts as a binder to hold the filling together while baking.
6. Layer Phyllo Sheets: Carefully layer 6 to 7 sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter to create a crisp, golden crust.
7. Add Filling: Spread the cooled meat filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets, ensuring a uniform distribution for consistent flavor in each slice.
8. Top Phyllo Layers: Cover the filling with another 6 to 7 sheets of phyllo, again brushing each sheet with melted butter to ensure a flaky top crust.
9. Score the Pie: Using a sharp knife, gently score the top layers of phyllo in a diamond or square pattern. This will help the pie cut easier after baking.
10. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
11. Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This settling period allows the filling to firm up for clean slices.

Notes

• Be sure to thaw the phyllo dough completely and keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
• You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef depending on your preference or availability.
• The score marks before baking help serve neat portions, but avoid cutting all the way through the phyllo to maintain structure.
• Optional spices like nutmeg or oregano could be added for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Leftover pie makes delicious next-day leftovers or can be reheated gently in an oven or air fryer for crispness.

Keywords: Greek meat pie, phyllo dough recipe, savory meat pie, baked meat pie, Greek cuisine, phyllo pastry