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
Scale
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.
