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Kreatopita (Greek Savory Meat Pie) Recipe

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4.6 from 118 reviews

Kreatopita is a traditional Greek savory pie made with a flavorful ground beef and rice filling encased in crispy, golden layers of phyllo dough. This recipe combines aromatic sautéed onions, seasoned ground beef, and rice simmered in tomato sauce, wrapped in buttered phyllo sheets and baked to perfection for a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture:

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp oregano

Phyllo Dough Layers:

  • 10 phyllo sheets
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion: In a pan with oil, sauté the finely chopped onion until softened and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  2. Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking, then cover and let simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the rice starts absorbing the liquid but is not fully cooked.
  3. Layer phyllo sheets: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish and layer 5 phyllo sheets at a time, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter or olive oil to ensure crispiness and prevent drying out.
  4. Add meat filling: Spread the prepared ground beef and rice mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the baking dish, distributing it smoothly.
  5. Add remaining phyllo sheets: Place the remaining 5 phyllo sheets on top of the meat filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil for a golden crust when baked.
  6. Bake: Place the kreatopita in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top layers of phyllo are crisp and golden brown.
  7. Cool and slice: Once baked, remove the kreatopita from the oven and let it cool slightly to allow the filling to set, then slice into portions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make sure to handle the phyllo sheets gently and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while assembling.
  • You can substitute olive oil for butter for a slightly lighter and dairy-free option.
  • Adjust seasoning with more herbs like mint or cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
  • The rice is only partially cooked before baking; the oven will finish cooking it, ensuring a tender texture.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/kreatopita-greek-savory-meat-pie-recipe/