Irresistible Golden Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe with Crispy Layers and Savory Filling

What Is a Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe?

A phyllo meat pie is a baked savory pastry made with thin sheets of phyllo (also spelled filo) dough, brushed with butter, oil, or ghee, and filled with a seasoned meat mixture. Unlike puff pastry, phyllo doesn’t puff, it bakes into crisp, flaky layers. What is phyllo?

The beauty of this dish lies in the delicate crunch of the pastry contrasting with the hearty meat filling.

Ingredient Breakdown for Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

Here are the essentials for a perfect phyllo meat pie recipe:

• Phyllo Dough – frozen sheets, thawed overnight.
• Ground Meat – beef, lamb, or a mix.
• Aromatics – onion, garlic, or leeks.
• Spices – baharat, cumin, paprika, allspice, or cinnamon.
• Herbs – parsley, dill, mint, oregano.
• Cheese (Optional) – feta or kasseri.
• Eggs & Dairy (Optional) – binders or custard topping.
• Seeds – sesame or nigella for finishing.

Handling Phyllo Dough Like a Pro

Phyllo is delicate, but easy to master with care:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Keep sheets covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel.
• Brush each sheet with oil, butter, or ghee.
• Avoid wet fillings that soften layers.

Choosing the Meat & Flavor Profiles

Equipment Checklist

• 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Pastry brush
• Towels for covering phyllo
• Sharp knife for scoring
• Mixing bowls

Step-by-Step Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

Shapes & Presentation Styles

• Slab Pie – square or diamond cuts.
• Coil/Spiral – dramatic table centerpiece.
• Cigars/Parcels – perfect hand-held snacks.

Butter vs Oil vs Ghee

• Butter – deep flavor, golden finish.
• Oil – lighter and crisper.
• Ghee – nutty and aromatic.

Mixing butter and oil often delivers the best result.

Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating

• Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate.
• Freeze unbaked or baked pies.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F until crisp.

Serving Ideas

Pair with:

• Greek salad with cucumber and tomato.
• Fresh herb salad with lemon.
• Yogurt dips like tzatziki.
• Tomato-cucumber relish.

Troubleshooting & Mistakes

• Cracked sheets – keep covered.
• Soggy pie – cool filling, bake long enough.
• Greasy texture – balance butter and oil.
• Pale top – brush last sheet generously.

Storage & Reheating

• Store covered in the fridge for three days.
• Reheat in oven to keep pastry crisp.
• Avoid microwaving.

FAQs

Substitutions & Variations

• Use chicken or turkey.
• Swap feta for kasseri.
• Add spinach or mushrooms.
• Try ghee instead of butter.

Conclusion

A phyllo meat pie recipe is timeless, balancing flaky pastry with savory fillings. It’s perfect for family meals or festive gatherings. Start with a simple slab pie, master the layering, then branch into coils or hand-held versions. Once you taste that crisp crackle and rich filling, it’ll become a favorite at your table.

Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: PT55M
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe is a savory, flaky delight featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with a seasoned mixture of ground meat, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. Optional feta adds a creamy, tangy touch. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, it’s golden, crispy, and full of rich Mediterranean flavors with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 8–10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• ½ cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
   • Add onions and cook until soft and golden.
   • Stir in garlic, then add ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned.
   • Mix in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
   • Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in parsley and feta (if using). Let the filling cool slightly.
2. Prepare the phyllo layers:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a baking dish.
   • Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish, brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat layering with 4–5 sheets.
3. Add the filling:
   • Spread the meat mixture evenly over the layered phyllo.
4. Top with phyllo:
   • Cover with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
   • Tuck in the edges neatly. Brush the top with butter (and egg wash if you want a golden finish).
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve:
   • Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or yogurt dip.

• Prep Time: PT20M
• Cook Time: PT35M
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg