Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash) Recipe

If you’ve never tasted Phyllo Meat Pie, also known as Egyptian Goulash, then you’re in for something truly special. This golden, flaky, savory pie layers crisp sheets of phyllo dough around a perfectly spiced ground beef filling, all bound together with a silky custard that makes every bite luscious and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent hours on it, but it’s actually simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, Buttery Layers: The phyllo dough bakes up ultra-crispy and golden, giving the pie that irresistible crunch with every bite.
• Flavorful Beef Filling: The ground beef is seasoned with warm spices and aromatics that take it to the next level—nothing bland here.
• Family Favorite: This dish is loved by both adults and kids. It’s comfort food that’s hearty and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready—perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Phyllo Dough: The star of the show! Use it thawed and covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. It creates those signature crispy layers.
• Ground Beef: The main protein, seasoned and sautéed for a deeply savory filling. Choose lean beef to keep it from getting too greasy.
• Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed with the beef for sweetness and depth.
• Butter: Brushed between layers of phyllo to create rich, golden flakiness. Don’t skimp here—every layer counts!
• Milk and Eggs: Whisked together and poured over the assembled pie before baking. This creates a custard-like texture that holds everything together.
• Allspice and Black Pepper: These spices give the beef its warm, distinctly Middle Eastern flavor. You can add a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the filling—don’t forget to taste and adjust as needed.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Mix in finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Twist: Add a layer of crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella between the beef layers for a cheesy surprise.
• Lamb Option: Swap the ground beef for ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped green chili if you like a little heat.

How to Make Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash)

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

Start by sautéing chopped onions in a bit of oil or butter until soft and golden. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in salt, pepper, and allspice. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and well-seasoned. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Phyllo Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Unroll the phyllo sheets and cover them with a slightly damp towel to keep them from drying out.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Place about half of the phyllo sheets in the dish, one at a time, brushing each layer with melted butter. Add the beef filling in an even layer, then top with the remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing each one with butter. Tuck in the edges neatly.

Step 4: Cut and Pour the Custard

Using a sharp knife, score the top of the pie into squares or diamonds (don’t cut all the way through). In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk with a pinch of salt. Carefully pour the mixture over the pie, letting it seep into the cuts and soak into the layers.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and crisp. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep Phyllo Moist: Always cover unused phyllo with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading with beef; a thin, even layer keeps the structure intact and ensures even baking.
• Pour Custard Evenly: Make sure the egg mixture spreads evenly over the pie so every slice gets that custardy finish.
• Use a Sharp Knife: Scoring the top before baking helps the custard soak in and makes slicing easier later.

How to Serve

This Phyllo Meat Pie is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s wonderful on its own, but you can easily build a meal around it:

Side Dish:

Serve with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pie.

Dips and Sauces:

Pair with a dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki for a cool, creamy contrast.

Soup Combo:

Try it with a warm bowl of lentil soup or tomato soup for a complete, comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The phyllo will soften a bit, but it will still taste great.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze baked slices. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again—about 15–20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that crunch!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pour the egg mixture over it right before baking for best texture.

Can I use store-bought phyllo dough?
Yes, and you should! Store-bought phyllo is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and handled gently.

How do I keep the phyllo from tearing?
Phyllo is delicate, so work quickly and cover it with a damp towel while assembling. Don’t worry if a sheet tears—just patch it with another piece. No one will notice once it’s baked!

What if I don’t eat beef?
No problem—use ground turkey, lamb, or even a plant-based meat substitute. The seasoning and technique remain the same.

Final Thoughts

Phyllo Meat Pie, or Egyptian Goulash, is one of those magical dishes that’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. With its crisp golden layers and savory, spiced filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Don’t wait—try it out, and bring a little Middle Eastern comfort into your kitchen tonight!

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