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Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

4.9 from 446 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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