Greek Phyllo Meat Pie

Imagine biting into a golden, flaky crust that shatters just right, giving way to a savory filling of spiced meat and herbs. That’s the essence of Greek Phyllo Meat Pie, or as it’s originally known, Bougatsa. This delightful dish has an incredibly satisfying texture that combines the crunch of phyllo pastry with a rich and aromatic filling, creating a culinary experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Growing up, my family would gather around the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air like a warm embrace. This dish has a special place on our table, not just because of its deliciousness but also due to how easily it can be shared, sparking laughter and conversation among loved ones. If you’ve ever made a hearty casserole or a cheesy lasagna, you might find this pie just as captivating, with its unique twists and flavors. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure and make a dish that truly is the way to a person’s heart.

What is Greek Phyllo Meat Pie?

What’s in a name? Greek Phyllo Meat Pie sounds fancy, right? But it’s really just a delicious way of saying “comfort in a crust.” It’s playful, it’s savory, and let’s be real: who wouldn’t be excited to dive into a pie that literally screams flavor?

Legend has it that this dish was crafted by resourceful cooks, mastering the art of making the most of the ingredients they had on hand. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, or so they say, and surely this pie has won many hearts along the way. Ready to make your own version? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Phyllo Meat Pie

This Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is not just another dish; it’s a dazzling main course that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Imagine cutting through its crispy layers, revealing a deliciously spiced filling that’s bursting with flavor.

What if I told you that making this pie at home can save you money in the long run? That’s right! When you whip up this mouthwatering dish, you save not only on takeout but also on high restaurant prices. Plus, you can customize your toppings—think fresh herbs, a dash of spicy feta, or even a hint of zesty lemon. You can relish the satisfying notes similar to those found in shepherd’s pie, but with the delightful crunch of phyllo. Ready to impress your family? Let’s dive right in!

How to Make Greek Phyllo Meat Pie

Quick Overview

Creating your very own Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is easier than you might think! This recipe combines the texture of crispy phyllo with a rich, savory filling that will have your taste buds dancing. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and the baking will take around 45 minutes. Feel free to tailor the pie to your family’s liking, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying!

Key Ingredients for Greek Phyllo Meat Pie

• Phyllo Dough: 1 package (approximately 16 oz)
• Ground Beef or Chicken: 1 pound (Halal-friendly)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
• Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Eggs: 2 large
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Nutmeg: a pinch
• Feta Cheese: 1 cup (or your choice of cheese)
• Butter: 1/2 cup, melted (for brushing)

This list ensures that your pie will be full of flavor while remaining Halal compliant.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the ground meat, cooking until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat.
2. Incorporate the Cheese and Eggs: Let the meat mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, add the eggs and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Prepare the Phyllo: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying. Take a sheet, brush it with melted butter, and layer another sheet on top. Repeat until you have about 8 layers, building a sturdy base.
4. Fill and Fold: Spoon the filling onto the center of the phyllo. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up like a burrito. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Repeat this for the rest of the filling and phyllo.
5. Bake to Perfection: Brush the top with more melted butter and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Top Tips for Perfecting Greek Phyllo Meat Pie

• Substitutions: You can easily switch ground beef for Halal-certified chicken or lamb for a twist on flavor.
• Timing: Phyllo pastry cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t skip the buttering of each phyllo sheet; this ensures that perfect flakiness! Also, make sure your filling is cool before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Greek Phyllo Meat Pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It stays well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Now, you’re all set to impress! Get your baking gloves on and create this delightful Greek Phyllo Meat Pie that promises to be a hit at your next family gathering. Happy cooking!

Greek Phyllo Meat Pie

A delicious Greek comfort dish featuring a golden, flaky crust filled with spiced ground meat and herbs, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 1 pound Ground Beef or Chicken (Halal-friendly)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing
• 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste
• Nutmeg, a pinch
• 1 cup Feta Cheese (or your choice of cheese)

For the crust

• 1 package Phyllo Dough (approximately 16 oz)
• 1/2 cup Butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

 

Preparation of the Filling

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
• Add the ground meat, cooking until browned.
• Season with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat.

Incorporate Cheese and Eggs

• Let the meat mixture cool for a few minutes.
• Add the eggs and crumbled feta cheese, mixing well until fully combined.

Prepare the Phyllo

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying.
• Take a sheet, brush it with melted butter, and layer another sheet on top.
• Repeat until you have about 8 layers, building a sturdy base.

Fill and Fold

• Spoon the filling onto the center of the phyllo.
• Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up like a burrito.
• Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Repeat this for the rest of the filling and phyllo.

Bake

• Brush the top with more melted butter and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Leftover Greek Phyllo Meat Pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it before baking. It stays well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Keyword Bougatsa, Comfort Food, Meat Pie, Phyllo Pie