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Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie) Recipe


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4.2 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Egyptian Goulash is a crispy, flaky phyllo pastry filled with a flavorful spiced ground beef mixture. This Middle Eastern meat pie offers a golden, crunchy texture paired with a savory filling, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

For the Meat Mix:

  • 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

For Assembling:

  • 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


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Meat Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the finely diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking apart any clumps, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat carefully.
  2. Season Meat Filling: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, seven spices (or allspice), and tomato paste into the cooked ground beef. Combine thoroughly and set the meat filling aside while preparing the pastry.
  3. Prepare Phyllo Layers – Bottom Section: Mix olive oil and melted butter together. Lightly brush the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan with this mixture. Layer 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough onto the bottom, brushing generously with the butter-oil mix. Repeat layering 2-3 phyllo sheets with brushing until half the phyllo sheets are used.
  4. Add Meat Filling: Spread the spiced ground beef mixture evenly over the layered phyllo pastry in the pan.
  5. Layer Remaining Phyllo Sheets: Continue layering 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough over the meat, brushing each layer generously with the butter and olive oil mixture. Repeat until all phyllo sheets are used.
  6. Cut the Phyllo Pie: Using a sharp knife, cut through the entire pie into even squares or diagonal shapes. Cutting through to the bottom allows easier slice removal once baked.
  7. Prepare Egg and Milk Mixture: Whisk together the egg and milk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire phyllo pie, allowing it to soak in and add richness.
  8. Bake: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or yogurt for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Handle phyllo sheets gently and keep them covered with a damp cloth when layering to prevent drying out.
  • Use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts before baking to ease serving.
  • Substitute seven spices with allspice if unavailable for a similar flavor profile.
  • Draining excess fat from the beef ensures the pastry remains crispy and not soggy.
  • Serving with yogurt or salad balances the richness of the pie.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern