Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! Recipe
Let me introduce you to my absolute go-to comfort food: Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! This golden, savory pie combines flaky layers of buttery phyllo dough with juicy, spice-laced meat, tangy feta, and bright bursts of parsley. It’s the kind of dish that makes dinner guests swoon (and fight for seconds), yet it comes together with a handful of kitchen staples. Whether you’re enjoying it hot from the oven or sneaking a cold slice for lunch the next day, Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! transforms humble ingredients into a celebration-worthy meal every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is just how easily everyday ingredients come together to create something truly memorable. Each element brings something unique: from the savory richness of the ground beef or lamb to the tang of feta and the unmistakable crackle of perfectly baked phyllo dough.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely Mediterranean depth and helps soften the onions for the filling.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and savory complexity in every bite.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, but they really wake up the whole dish with their punchy aroma.
- Ground beef or lamb: Go with your favorite; both offer juicy, savory results!
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that gives the filling its signature flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a hint brings unexpected warmth—don’t skip it!
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the color and richness of the filling.
- Red wine or water: Wine adds depth, but water works perfectly too.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the whole dish with freshness and color.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds extra savoriness and those little salty pops.
- Phyllo dough: The star of the show! Its crisp, flaky layers encase all that goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter keeps the phyllo luxuriously golden and crisp.
- Egg: Adds gorgeous gloss and golden color to the finished pie.
How to Make Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight!
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by pulling out all your ingredients and letting the phyllo dough thaw to room temperature, if it’s been in the freezer. This makes assembly much easier and helps prevent tearing. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, crumble the feta, and have your spices and melted butter set out and ready for action—you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Make the Savory Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until soft and glossy. Add the garlic next, letting it sizzle for about a minute, before introducing the ground beef or lamb along with the oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat as it browns, and soak in that incredible Mediterranean aroma! Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until the meat is browned.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste and Wine
Spoon in your tomato paste, then pour over the red wine or water. Mix thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly combined. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything thickens just a touch and the flavors meld beautifully. Remove from heat, and stir through the fresh parsley and crumbled feta for a burst of color and creamy tang.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Now comes the phyllo fun! Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish. Lay down your first sheet of phyllo, brushing it generously with melted butter. Repeat this with three more sheets (for a total of four), making sure the edges hang over the sides of the dish. These overhanging sheets will wrap around your filling. Spoon in the meat mixture and smooth it out evenly.
Step 5: Seal and Top with Phyllo
Fold the overhanging phyllo edges over the filling to snuggle it all in. Layer 4 to 6 more sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each sheet with more melted butter. Tuck any loose edges down the sides so everything’s snug. Finally, brush the top liberally with the beaten egg—this helps you achieve that gorgeous golden sheen.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! into the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for those upper layers to turn beautifully golden and crispy all over. Once baked, let the pie rest in the dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it much easier to serve tidy wedges and allows the flavors to settle and meld.
How to Serve Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight!
Garnishes
Nothing sets off a warm slice of Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! like a final shower of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra crumbled feta right before serving. If you love a bit of brightness, squeeze a wedge of lemon over your slice for a tangy pop that balances out all those rich, savory notes.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own, but it’s also fabulous with a simple Greek salad—ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. Need something comfortingly carby? Pair it with lemon potatoes or a scoop of orzo tossed with olive oil and herbs for a meal fit for a long, leisurely dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try slicing the Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! into small squares or triangles for an impressive appetizer platter. Or go rustic and serve picnic-style with a stack of napkins—this pie is just as delicious warm or at room temperature. For a dinner party, plate with a swirl of yogurt or tzatziki and a scattering of edible flowers for that wow-factor finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! is almost better the next day. Just cool the pie to room temperature, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, and the phyllo holds its crunch surprisingly well for up to three days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. You can freeze individual slices or the whole pie (unbaked or baked), making it perfectly convenient for busy weeks. Just remember to label and date your pie—future you will be grateful!
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices or the whole pie on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 to 15 minutes. The oven brings back that irresistibly crispy phyllo. Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it can make the pastry soggy instead of delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great way to lighten things up, and it still absorbs all those gorgeous Greek flavors. Just make sure not to overcook it so the filling stays moist.
How do I keep phyllo dough from drying out?
Phyllo can be fragile, so always keep unused sheets covered with a clean, damp towel while you work. Move quickly and don’t worry if a few sheets tear—you’ll never notice in the finished pie once it’s layered and baked.
Can I make Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pie earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re planning to bake straight from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure it heats through.
How do I get the top phyllo layer extra crispy?
Be generous with that melted butter and egg wash! Brushing each phyllo sheet individually ensures maximum flakiness. Also, bake until you see a deep, golden color on top—this means ultimate crunch with every bite.
Can I add vegetables or make it vegetarian?
Definitely! You can bulk up the filling with chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for more veggies. For a vegetarian version, substitute lentils or a meat alternative instead of the ground meat, and keep all the other flavors the same.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel totally inspired to bring Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! to your own table. There’s just something magical about the combination of crispy phyllo, savory filling, and creamy feta that never fails to make dinner memorable. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!
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Greek Phyllo Meat Pie: A Delicious Dinner Delight! Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory flavors of Greece with this delicious Greek Phyllo Meat Pie. Layers of seasoned ground meat and feta cheese enveloped in crispy phyllo dough, this dish is a perfect dinner delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup red wine or water
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For Assembly:
- 8–10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish.
- Sauté Onions and Meat: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil, then add garlic and ground meat with seasonings. Cook until browned.
- Prepare Filling: Stir in tomato paste, wine (or water), parsley, and feta. Simmer until thickened.
- Layer Phyllo Dough: Layer phyllo sheets in the baking dish, brushing with butter between each layer.
- Add Filling: Spread the meat mixture over the phyllo sheets and fold overhanging edges.
- Finish Assembly: Layer more phyllo sheets on top, tuck in edges, and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Let rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey.
- Handle phyllo gently and cover unused sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
