Name: Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1.5 lb lean ground beef (650-700g); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon seven spices or allspice; 2 heaped tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, melted (56 g); 16 oz package phyllo dough, thawed (450 g); 1 cup milk; 1 egg; Salt and pepper for seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you have not yet experienced the magic of Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe, you are in for a treat that will delight your senses and impress your guests! This dish layers golden, crispy phyllo pastry with a flavorful spiced ground beef filling, combining textures and aromas that feel both comforting and exotic. The balance of tender meat, fragrant spices, and irresistibly flaky pastry makes it one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this Egyptian classic offers a simple yet spectacular way to elevate your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of cooked ground meat in a black skillet. The meat is broken into small clumps with a mix of light to dark brown colors, indicating it is well cooked with some crispy bits. The surface of the skillet is smooth and dark, with a little bit of oil visible around the edges. The focus is tight on the textured meat, showing the crumbly and slightly uneven pieces. The background is not visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing essential flavors, textures, or moisture to create a balanced dish that’s satisfying and rich. The list might look straightforward, but every item is key to achieving the authentic taste and that enviable golden crust.

Olive oil: Adds depth and richness while helping to soften the onions and cook the beef.
Small onion, finely diced: Provides sweetness and a tender contrast to the meaty filling.
Lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed star of the filling with just enough fat to keep it juicy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the spices.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Garlic powder: Boosts umami and savory notes without overpowering.
Seven spices or all spice: A fragrant blend that brings authentic Middle Eastern warmth and earthiness.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the richness and adds a touch of acidity to brighten the meat mixture.
Butter, melted: Infuses the phyllo layers with buttery flavor and ensures a perfectly crisp texture.
Phyllo dough: The delicate, paper-thin sheets that become wonderfully crisp and flaky upon baking.
Milk: Combined with egg to create a glossy, golden finish on the pie.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds color to the top crust.
Salt and pepper for seasoning: Fine-tunes the seasoning of the custard poured over the pie.

How to Make Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet and gently sautéing finely diced onions until they become soft and translucent—this builds a sweet base that complements the beef beautifully. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking up any lumps to ensure an even texture. Once browned, drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. It’s time to add the special touch: salt, pepper, garlic powder, seven spices, and a generous spoonful of tomato paste. These spices bring vibrant warmth and depth, binding the flavors into a savory, irresistible filling. Set this aside as you ready the phyllo.

Step 2: Assemble Your Layers of Deliciousness

Mix together the melted butter and olive oil—this combo is the secret lubricant that transforms phyllo dough into a crisp, golden masterpiece. Lightly brush the bottom of your pan, then place 2 or 3 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer generously with the butter oil mixture to avoid dry, crumbly pastry. Repeat layering until half the phyllo package is used, building a substantial base.

Step 3: Add the Meat and Finish the Layers

Spread your aromatic meat filling evenly over the phyllo base, making sure it reaches every corner. Then continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top, again brushing each sheet with the butter-oil mixture to keep everything moist and golden. This alternating layering is what creates the iconic crisp and flaky contrast with the savory meat inside.

Step 4: Cut and Add the Egg-Milk Glaze

Before baking, score the pie by cutting all the way through the layers into neat squares or diamonds. This simple step makes serving effortless and helps steam escape during baking, keeping your pie crisp and perfectly cooked. Whisk together milk, egg, salt, and pepper, then drizzle this custard over the entire top of the pie. This will create a stunning golden finish that makes the Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe pop at the table.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pie in the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is deeply golden, flaky, and irresistibly crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow each slice to hold its shape perfectly. You’re now ready to dig into one of the most rewarding Middle Eastern meals you can make at home!

How to Serve Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a golden brown, crispy filo pastry pie cut into square pieces. One piece is being lifted with a spatula, revealing layers of thin, flaky pastry on top and bottom, with a dense, crumbly, light brown filling in the middle. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a small white plate holding chopped fresh vegetables, including red tomatoes, green cucumbers, and orange carrots. Next to the dish, there is a bottle of green hot sauce with a red cap and a white plate with silver cutlery and a folded cloth napkin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few mint leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A dollop of cool, tangy yogurt or labneh on the side perfectly complements the savory meat and crisp pastry layers.

Side Dishes

This Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to bring brightness to the plate. Alternatively, a fresh tabbouleh or a light green salad keeps the meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the pie slices on a large, decorative platter with scattered pomegranate seeds or toasted pine nuts. You can also customize the filling by adding pine nuts or finely chopped bell peppers for added crunch and color. Make individual mini pies using muffin tins for a fun party appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) stays best when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even further while keeping the phyllo from getting overly soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled pie before adding the egg-milk glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before scoring, glazing, and baking as directed for fresh-out-of-the-oven delight any time you crave it.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the crispness of the phyllo while heating the filling thoroughly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the phyllo flaky rather than soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe?

Absolutely, ground lamb or turkey work well as alternatives, each lending their distinctive flavors. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly since these meats may have different fat contents.

Is it necessary to brush the phyllo dough with butter and oil?

Yes, brushing each phyllo layer generously helps create that signature crisp and golden texture. Skipping this step can result in dry, brittle pastry that doesn’t hold together well.

Can I prepare the meat filling in advance?

Definitely! The meat can be cooked up to a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready, just assemble and bake the pie. This makes the Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe especially convenient for busy days.

How do I prevent the phyllo from drying out while assembling?

Work quickly and keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling. This keeps the dough moist and flexible, making layering much easier.

What drinks pair well with Egyptian Goulash?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing mint tea complements the spices nicely and balances the richness of the pie.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your friends or simply treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, the Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe is your golden ticket. With its irresistible balance of crispy, flaky pastry and warm, spiced meat filling, this dish celebrates the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine in a way that’s both simple and spectacular. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something this delicious comes together with such ease!