This Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is pure comfort food that transports you to a sunny Mediterranean kitchen in every crispy, savory bite. With layers of delicate, flaky phyllo embracing a herby, spiced ground meat and cheese filling, it’s the kind of dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something spectacular. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping main or simply craving cozy Greek flavors, this pie never fails to impress. The Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is as perfect for relaxed weeknights as it is for festive gatherings with loved ones!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients create such depth and nostalgia in this Greek Phyllo Meat Pie. Every element counts: the meat brings heartiness, the herbs lift, the cheeses add creaminess and zing, and those flaky phyllo layers are always the star of the show!
- Ground beef or lamb (1 lb): The soul of this pie, providing robust, savory flavor – go with lamb for a traditional touch or beef for easy comfort.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 medium): Essential for sweetness and that subtle, satisfying savoriness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Just enough garlic to infuse every bite with zesty depth.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Lends richness and that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Lets each slice sing with grassy, fresh brightness.
- Fresh dill, chopped (1/4 cup): Adds an aromatic, slightly tangy note that’s classic in Greek cooking.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 tsp): A whisper of warmth that subtly boosts every flavor.
- Ground allspice (1/2 tsp): Earthy and slightly peppery, to make the filling pop.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) & Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Perfectly balances and highlights the other spices.
- Eggs, lightly beaten (2 large): Bind everything into a rich, cohesive filling.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): Salty, creamy, tangy – absolutely necessary for Greek flavor.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup): Amplifies the umami, and adds that cheesy, golden crown.
- Phyllo dough, thawed (10 sheets): The secret to those magical crispy, paper-thin layers.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Brushed between each phyllo layer for irresistible crunch and flavor.
How to Make Greek Phyllo Meat Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your pie is assembled. Get your ingredients prepped and organized—chop the herbs and onion, mince the garlic, and set your melted butter and phyllo dough nearby. Keeping things ready to go helps phyllo stay moist and makes layering the Greek Phyllo Meat Pie a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Brown the Meat
Grab your favorite large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally for about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute (the kitchen will already smell amazing). Now, add your ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat for a clean, flavorful base.
Step 3: Season & Add Fresh Herbs
It’s time to season the filling: sprinkle in the parsley, dill, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook a couple more minutes so every bite is infused with herby, spiced goodness. Remove your skillet from the heat and let it cool just enough so the eggs and cheese won’t scramble in the next step.
Step 4: Bring in the Eggs & Cheese
Once the meat mixture is just warm, stir in the lightly beaten eggs, crumbled feta, and grated Parmesan. This step is what transforms the filling into a rich, creamy, and tangy heart for your pie. The eggs set everything in place while the cheeses melt and add those irresistible Mediterranean layers of flavor.
Step 5: Layer Your Greek Phyllo Meat Pie
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter to keep sticking at bay. Lay down the first phyllo sheet, gently brushing it with butter. Continue with four more sheets, buttering each layer as you go. Don’t fuss over perfection—rustic layers are part of the charm! Next, spread the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo base, then repeat the layering process with the remaining five sheets, always brushing with more melted butter for maximum crispiness.
Step 6: Finish & Bake
Tuck in any overhanging phyllo (they’ll brown up beautifully), and generously brush the top layer with more butter. Use a sharp knife to score the top into squares or diamonds—this makes serving easier and gives the classic look of a Greek Phyllo Meat Pie. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the pie is gloriously golden and crisp. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing, which helps everything set and slice neatly.
How to Serve Greek Phyllo Meat Pie
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top just before serving gives the pie a burst of color and an extra kick of freshness. You can also add a few crumbles of feta or a twist of cracked black pepper for that finishing, inviting touch.
Side Dishes
This Greek Phyllo Meat Pie is deliciously filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, lemony Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki takes it to the next level. The light sides balance the pie’s richness and keep your meal bright and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the pie into squares for easy family-style sharing, or slice into elegant diamonds for a dressier dinner party vibe. If you’re serving a buffet, stack small pieces on a decorative platter with toothpicks for a festive, grab-and-go appetizer version—Greek Phyllo Meat Pie has never looked so chic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the pie cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days—a perfect make-ahead lunch or fuss-free dinner.
Freezing
Greek Phyllo Meat Pie actually freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and tuck them in the freezer for up to two months. For the best texture, freeze before baking—just assemble completely, wrap the unbaked pie well, and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To recapture that glorious crunch, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, uncovered. This keeps the phyllo crisp and revives all those wonderful layers. While microwaving is convenient, it does soften the pastry, so the oven is your best friend here.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Both work beautifully as a lighter alternative for the Greek Phyllo Meat Pie. The key is to season well and maybe add a touch more olive oil for extra juiciness.
How do I keep the phyllo dough from drying out?
Phyllo dries quickly once opened. Simply cover the unused sheets with a clean, damp towel while you work, and they’ll stay supple and easy to handle.
Can I make Greek Phyllo Meat Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Fresh-baked always tastes best, but the flavors deepen if they sit together a little longer.
What’s the best way to cut the pie neatly?
Let your Greek Phyllo Meat Pie cool for about ten minutes after baking, then use a very sharp knife (preferably serrated) to cut along the scored lines. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep those layers crisp and defined.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers blend right in and add color and flavor. Just make sure any veggies are cooked and well-drained before mixing into the filling.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen how simple yet completely satisfying this Greek Phyllo Meat Pie can be, I hope you’re inspired to bring the flavors of Greece to your table soon. Whether for a special weekend meal or a cozy slice at lunch, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to revisit again and again!
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Greek Phyllo Meat Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory Greek Phyllo Meat Pie recipe that features a flavorful mixture of ground beef or lamb, fresh herbs, and cheeses, all encased in layers of crispy phyllo dough. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients
Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Assembly:
- 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Filling: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add meat and spices. Mix in parsley, dill, and cheeses. Let cool.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer phyllo sheets in a baking dish, brushing each with butter. Spread meat mixture over phyllo. Top with remaining phyllo and butter.
- Bake: Score the top layer and bake until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or turkey as a lighter alternative.
- For added richness, include ricotta or béchamel sauce in the filling.
- Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
