Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

Introduction

Phyllo Meat Pie is a delicious, flaky pastry filled with a savory seasoned ground beef mixture. This dish combines warm spices and crispy phyllo layers to create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 1.5 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, pink salt recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 packet (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup light-tasting olive oil
• 1/4 cup ghee or butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until tender.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart. Stir in allspice, black pepper, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Step 4: Melt the ghee or butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Mix in the 1/2 cup olive oil to form the oil mixture.
5. Step 5: Brush or spray an oven-safe dish with some of the oil mixture. Lay 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough flat in the dish, then brush with the oil mixture. Repeat layering 2-3 sheets at a time, brushing each layer, until half the phyllo package is used.
6. Step 6: Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the layered phyllo.
7. Step 7: Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets in groups of 2-3, brushing each layer with the oil mixture until all sheets are used.
8. Step 8: Cut the assembled pie into squares or diamond shapes before baking.
9. Step 9: In a measuring cup, beat the egg and mix in the milk, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Carefully pour this mixture evenly over the pie, tilting the dish to distribute the liquid.
10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
11. Step 11: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
• For a richer taste, substitute ghee with melted butter if preferred.
• Try adding chopped fresh parsley or mint to the meat mixture for a fresh herbal note.
• If you like spicier flavors, a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes can be added to the beef mixture.
• Handle phyllo dough gently and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while assembling.

Storage

Store leftover phyllo meat pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.

How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out during preparation?

Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a clean, damp kitchen towel while you work, exposing only the sheets you are currently layering. This prevents them from drying and cracking.

Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

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A savory and flaky Phyllo Meat Pie featuring a spiced ground beef filling layered between crisp phyllo dough sheets and baked to golden perfection. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish balances aromatic spices and rich textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pink salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Phyllo Layers

• 1 packet (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup light tasting olive oil
• 1/4 cup ghee or butter, melted

Milk-Egg Mixture

• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender and translucent.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Mix in allspices, black pepper, pink salt, cinnamon, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook until the beef is browned thoroughly with no pink spots remaining. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the phyllo pie.
4. Prepare the phyllo with oil mixture: Melt the ghee or butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Mix the melted ghee with the 1/2 cup light tasting olive oil thoroughly to create the brushing mixture.
5. Assemble the base phyllo layers: Lightly brush or spray an oven-safe baking dish with the oil mixture. Lay 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough flat into the dish and brush the top with the oil-ghee mixture. Repeat this layering and brushing process with 2-3 sheets at a time until half of the phyllo package is used.
6. Add the meat filling: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the baking dish, distributing it uniformly for balanced filling.
7. Complete the phyllo layering: Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets 2-3 at a time on top of the meat, brushing each layer generously with the oil-ghee mixture until all phyllo sheets are used.
8. Score the pie: Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled pie into squares or diamond shapes carefully without cutting all the way through the bottom layers to facilitate serving after baking.
9. Prepare milk and egg topping: In a measuring cup or small bowl, beat the egg and mix with 1 cup milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire pie, tilting the dish gently in all directions to ensure the liquid spreads beneath the phyllo layers.
10. Bake the pie: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and crisp.
11. Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes after baking. Serve warm to enjoy the crispy layers and savory filling at their best.

Notes

• Use light tasting olive oil for brushing to avoid overpowering the delicate phyllo flavor.
• Thaw the phyllo dough properly before use to prevent tearing.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste after cooking the meat filling for better control over seasoning.
• Ensure the milk and egg mixture is evenly poured to help moisten the phyllo during baking and bind the layers.
• The pie can be cut before baking to make serving easier and to allow the milk mixture to seep through the cuts.
• Serve warm but not hot to prevent burning the mouth from the juicy filling.

Keywords: phyllo meat pie, ground beef pie, Middle Eastern pie, baked phyllo, savory meat filling, spiced ground beef, phyllo dough recipe