If you are on the hunt for a dish that brings together flaky layers, savory meat, and vibrant Greek flavors, look no further than this Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe. This pie is a celebration of textures and spices, combining tender ground meat seasoned with warm cinnamon and oregano with crispy phyllo dough that shatters delightfully with every bite. The addition of feta cheese and fresh parsley lifts the filling with tang and herbaceous brightness, making it a truly memorable meal that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that authentically captures the heart of Mediterranean home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each component, from the fragrant spices to the crisp phyllo, works together beautifully to create depth of flavor, satisfying textures, and that irresistible golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing the aromatics and meat, adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Offers sweetness and moisture to the filling when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat with pungent warmth that awakens the palate.
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb: The heart of the filling, lending hearty flavor and satisfying protein content.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that unmistakable Mediterranean herbiness typical of Greek cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a unique, slightly sweet undertone that enriches the savory filling.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Rounds out the spice palette with warm, aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors at play.
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the mixture with a fresh, herbaceous lift.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a creamy tang that cuts through the richness of the meat.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Helps bind the filling and adds moisture for the perfect texture.
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed: The star layering element that provides irresistible crispness and delicate crunch.
- ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing): Ensures each phyllo layer bakes to a golden, flaky perfection.
How to Make Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This initial step forms the aromatic base of your filling. Then, add the ground beef or lamb, cooking it thoroughly until browned, while breaking it apart to avoid clumps. Stir in the dried oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and season well with salt and pepper. Let this flavorful mixture cook for another couple of minutes to meld the spices, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix in Fresh Ingredients
Once the meat mixture is no longer piping hot, add in the chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and lightly beaten eggs. These ingredients do more than flavor the filling—they bind everything together and introduce a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the seasoned meat. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all components throughout the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Sheets
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay out four sheets of thawed phyllo dough into the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil before adding the next. Be sure to let the edges hang over the sides so you can easily fold them over the filling later. A key tip here is to keep your phyllo covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spread the meat filling evenly over the layered phyllo. Carefully fold the overhanging phyllo edges over the filling, sealing it gently but firmly. Top the pie with the remaining four phyllo sheets, again brushing each with butter or oil to ensure a golden, crisp crust. Tuck the edge sheets down into the sides of the baking dish to completely encase the filling. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top layers to make serving simpler once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled pie in a preheated oven set at 375°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the phyllo is deeply golden and crisp. This baking time ensures the filling is fully cooked and the dough achieves that signature crispness Greek phyllo is known for. After baking, let the pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this brief pause helps the filling set, making every slice neat and delicious.
How to Serve Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the warm pie adds brightness and color that sets the dish apart on the table. A scattering of crumbled feta cheese on top also adds an inviting creamy contrast to the crunchy phyllo crust.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with classic Greek sides like tzatziki—cool, tangy yogurt with cucumber—and a crisp Greek salad bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion. The freshness and acidity of these sides balance the savory richness of the pie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual pie wedges on rustic wooden boards alongside small bowls of dipping sauces such as lemon-infused olive oil or a garlic yogurt sauce. For a festive touch, add lemon wedges on the side, inviting everyone to squeeze fresh juice over their pie for a zesty kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to let the pie cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the texture of the phyllo.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie before baking by assembling it as directed, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual, adding 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes to restore the crispness of the phyllo. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dough soggy and greasy.
FAQs
Can I use only lamb or only beef for this Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use just ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor, or all beef for a milder taste. Both work brilliantly—the choice depends on your personal preference.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out while making the pie?
Phyllo dough dries out quickly when exposed to air. Keep it covered with a slightly damp towel while working, and brush each layer generously with melted butter or olive oil to maintain moisture and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Traditional phyllo dough contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, you would need to seek out alternative pastry options designed for gluten-free baking. However, this can change the texture and flavor of the pie significantly.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Finely chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or diced mushrooms can be stirred into the filling for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the phyllo from becoming soggy.
What is the best way to slice and serve the pie?
Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking, then use a sharp knife to slice through the scored top layers. Serve warm with your favorite Greek dips or salads for a full, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
There really is something magical about the crisp, buttery layers of phyllo paired with a richly spiced meat filling that makes the Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe a timeless favorite in any kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just exploring Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and endlessly comforting. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every flaky, savory bite—you’re in for a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is a savory and delicious dinner recipe featuring a flavorful mix of ground beef or lamb seasoned with warm spices, fresh parsley, and creamy feta cheese, all encased in crispy layers of golden phyllo dough. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a fantastic main course for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Phyllo Layers
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Filling: Stir in dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix in Fresh Ingredients: Once cooled, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and lightly beaten eggs to bind the filling.
- Layer Phyllo Dough: Place 4 sheets of phyllo dough into the greased baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil and letting the edges hang over the sides of the dish.
- Add Meat Filling: Spoon the prepared meat mixture into the phyllo-lined dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with Phyllo: Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the filling, then place the remaining 4 phyllo sheets on top, brushing each one with melted butter or olive oil. Tuck the edges of the phyllo dough down into the dish to seal the pie.
- Score and Bake: Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of phyllo to make slicing easier after baking. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- Use a mixture of beef and lamb for a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Serve the pie with a side of tzatziki or a fresh Greek salad to complement the savory flavors.
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and tearing.
