Today’s recipe is straight from my mother’s kitchen: phyllo meat pie recipe (aka Egyptian goulash). Layers of flaky phyllo with a tantalizing meat mixture nestled in between. If you’ve been looking for things to make with phyllo dough, this easy recipe is a great one to try!

Egyptian goulash on a blue plate with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

Phyllo

If you’ve had baklava, you’ve had phyllo! A popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, phyllo is made of unleavened paper-thin pastry dough and is used in both sweet and savory recipes. You can find phyllo dough in most grocery stores in the freezer section near things like puff pastry and pie crust. I use phyllo to make all sorts of delicious dishes, like tarts and savory pies — and I’ve even used it as a crispy pizza crust!

It can be intimidating to work with phyllo, but it’s easier to use than most people think (I have some tips for you below).

One of my favorite phyllo recipes is my mother’s Egyptian goulash. This is not the goulash you may know as macaroni noodles with a beef sauce; Egyptian goulash is something entirely different and so worth a try!

slice of phyllo meat pie.

Savory Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash)

This Egyptian-style meat pie replaces your typical pie crust with phyllo dough! It is basically made of layers of flaky phyllo dough with a ground beef mixture, seasoned with baharat and onions, nestled in between. This pie is known as Egyptian goulash, and it’s my favorite meat pie of all time!

The recipe is fairly simple to put together, and if you’ve ever made lasagna or assembled a casserole dish with several layers, making this savory phyllo meat pie is not much different. You’ll spread several phyllo sheets and brush them with a mixture of olive oil and butter (or olive oil only, as I do most of the time). You’ll add a layer of cooked ground beef, and then finish with a few more phyllo sheets. That’s really all there is to it!

Tips for working with Phyllo Dough

When working with phyllo, first, be sure to thaw it properly overnight in the fridge. You’ll also want to take it out of the fridge and set it at room temperature for about 1 hour.

But the biggest secret to working with phyllo dough, as you will see in the step-by-step, is to lay the phyllo sheets between two very lightly damp towels. This will keep them moist and prevent them from breaking as you work to assemble the pie. Also, don’t skimp on brushing the phyllo layers with olive oil, this is what helps cook the phyllo to crisp perfection!

slices of Egyptian goulash on a blue plate with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

Ingredients you need for this savory phyllo meat pie

This phyllo recipe comes together with just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Phyllo dough – You’ll need 1 16-ounce package of frozen phyllo dough, thawed overnight in the fridge in its packaging.
  • Egg – Whisk 1 egg into 1 cup of milk.
  • Extra virgin olive oil To generously brush the phyllo dough to keep it from breaking. You can also use ½ cup olive oil combined with ½ cup melted butter.
  • Spiced meat filling – Chopped onions, lean ground beef, baharat, and garlic powder.

How to make meat pie with phyllo

While working with filo dough can seem intimidating, it is actually quite simple if you follow my simple tips! Here’s how to make Egyptian goulash (print-friendly recipe below):

  • Prepare the phyllo dough. To keep the phyllo pastry moist and pliable, lay the thawed phyllo sheets between two clean, lightly damp kitchen towels.

    phyllo dough with a blue dish towel next to it to cover it.
  • Make the meat filling. Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pan. On medium-high heat, saute 1 cup chopped onions briefly. Add 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef. Cook until fully browned, tossing regularly. Remove the pan from the heat briefly and drain any fat, then return back to the stove. Add in the spices (1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baharat, kosher salt, and black pepper), and stir to fully combine. Remove from the heat.

    seasoned ground beef for Egyptian goulash.
  • Assemble the Egyptian goulash. lay three to four sheets of phyllo dough on the bottom of a lightly greased 9 1/2 x 13 x 2 1/4 inch baking pan. Fold any excess dough in. Brush the top phyllo sheet very generously with extra virgin olive oil. Repeat this step as you lay three to four sheets of phyllo at a time in the baking pan until you have used up 1/2 of the phyllo sheets.

    brushed filo dough.

    Now, as you have a nice base for your pie, spread the meat filling evenly on top of the last phyllo sheet.

    ground beef spread onto phyllo dough.

    Layer the remaining sheets on top of the meat repeating the same process as before (again, three or four sheets at a time, fold excess phyllo and butter the top sheet) until the phyllo sheets are used up.

    phyllo dough layered onto ground beef for Egyptian goulash.

    Brush the top sheet very generously with EVOO. With a sharp knife, cut the phyllo pie into 12 squares. Season the prepared milk and egg mixture with kosher salt and black pepper and pour evenly over the pie.

    milk poured onto phyllo meat pie.
  • Bake the phyllo meat pie. Place the phyllo meat pie on the middle rack of a 350 degrees F heated-oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until cooked through. It should turn a nice golden brown. Be watchful so that the pie does not over bake or burn. Remove from the oven, and serve warm.

    Egyptian goulash after baking.

Serve it with

Egyptian goulash is a filling meal by itself, but I like to add a big fresh salad alongside for some crunch.

Make ahead tips

To work ahead, prepare the recipe as written until the step where you cut up the phyllo meat pie. After cutting the pie into 12 squares, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake the pie, pour the egg and milk mixture over. Do not prepare this pie more than one night in advance.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Or you can freeze leftover Egyptian goulash in a freezer-safe container, and reheat from frozen.

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4.93 from 107 votes

Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash)

The Mediterranean Dish
Egyptian goulash on a blue plate with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
Today, it’s a treat straight from my mother’s kitchen: phyllo meat pie recipe (aka Egyptian goulash). It is the one savory pastry I can not stop eating! When working with phyllo, first, be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge. Before putting together this phyllo recipe, be sure to let the filo dough sit at room temp for about an hour.
Prep – 25 minutes
Cook – 45 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean/Egyptian
Serves – 12 pieces
Course:
Entree

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounce package of frozen phyllo dough, thawed in its package
  • 1 egg, whisked in 1 cup of milk
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, (OR 1/2 cup olive oil combined with 1/2 cup melted butter)

For the meat filling

  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baharat
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Carefully lay the thawed phyllo dough sheets between two lightly damp kitchen towels.
  • Begin with preparing the meat filling. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick pan. On medium-high heat, saute the chopped onions briefly. Add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, tossing regularly. Remove the pan from the heat briefly to drain any fat, then return back to the stove. Add in the spices and stir to fully combine. Remove from the heat.
  • Now, to assemble the phyllo pie, lay three to four sheets of phyllo dough on the bottom of a lightly greased 9 1/2 x 13 x 2 1/4 inch baking pan. Fold any excess dough in. Brush the top phyllo sheet generously with olive oil (or oil and butter mixture). Repeat this step as you lay three to four sheets of phyllo at a time in the baking pan until you have used up 1/2 of the phyllo sheets.
  • Now, as you have a nice base for your pie, spread the meat filling evenly on top of the last phyllo sheet.
  • Layer the remaining sheets on top of the meat repeating the same process as before (again, three or four sheets at a time, fold excess phyllo and brush with the olive oil) until all phyllo is used up.
  • Brush the top sheet with olive oil (or oil and butter mixture). With a sharp knife, cut the phyllo pie into 12 squares.
  • Season the prepared milk and egg mixture with salt and pepper and pour evenly over the pie.
  • Place the phyllo meat pie on the middle rack of the 350 degrees F heated-oven for about 30 to 45, or until cooked through. The phyllo should be crispy and it should turn a nice golden brown. Be watchful so that pie does not over bake or burn.
  • Serve warm with a side salad! Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Phyllo tips: Be sure to thaw the phyllo overnight in the fridge. Do not skimp on brushing the phyllo layers as indicated above. Make sure you drizzle or brush a generous amount of olive oil so that each layer is well coated.
  • Prepare-ahead option: To work ahead, prepare the recipe as written until the step where you cut up the phyllo meat pie. After cutting the pie into 12 squares, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake the pie, pour the egg and milk mixture over. Do not prepare this pie more than one night in advance.
  • Leftovers and storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Or you can freeze leftover Egyptian goulash in a freezer-safe container, and reheat from frozen. 
  • Visit our shop to browse our spices, olive oils, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 384.9kcalCarbohydrates: 21.5gProtein: 14.7gFat: 26.4gSaturated Fat: 5.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 16.9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 50.5mgSodium: 226.2mgPotassium: 237.7mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 0.7gVitamin A: 20.1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16.5mgIron: 2.7mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.93 from 107 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Dallas says:

    I added celery, zucchini, mushrooms, and green chiles to the meat mixture. Delicious!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Love those additions! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Ruth Anne says:

    5 stars
    Hi Suzy,
    I left a review a while ago regarding how much we absolutely love this recipe. Now I have a question. If I would like to make this vegetarian, can I substitute black or brown lentils in place of the meat, and if so, which one would you recommend?

  3. Colleen says:

    5 stars
    Your meat pie recipe is delicious. Thank you for sharing it.

    1. Suzy says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Colleen!

  4. Laura Kakuk-Atkins says:

    4 stars
    Hi Suze,
    I have only been cooking from your recipes for a little under a month and I have made a number of dishes. I am hooked!! I would like to make the Egyptian Goulash next and am wondering if my pan would work? It is exactly 9” x 13”. The one you used was 9 1/2” x 13”. Will my pan still work even though it is a little narrower or will I run into problems?
    Thank you 😊
    Laura

    1. Suzy says:

      I think your pan will be just fine, Laura! Hope you enjoy the recipe!

      1. Laura Kakuk-Atkins says:

        5 stars
        Heavenly!

  5. Sarah says:

    Sounds delish! Are you able to suggest an alternative to Baharat – I’ve been unable to find it in rural France! Thank you

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Sarah. For this particular recipe, you could use 1 tsp of allspice in place of the baharat.

    2. Colleen says:

      Pinterest has the recipe to make the spice

  6. Lucie Hunter says:

    Hello, Considering making this for a brunch. Wondering if it can be prepared the day before and reheated? Or should I keep this recipe when I can cook it the day it will be eaten.

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Lucie. Making it the day prior will work. If you scroll down the article there is a sectioned titled “Make Ahead Tips” with some more useful info.

  7. Ruth Anne says:

    5 stars
    I made your, rather, your Mom’s recipe tonight for dinner. Wow! My husband loved it so much and actually had two pieces! We are normally light eaters so that says how awesome this recipe is! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe and hope this is in your upcoming cookbook so I can throw the printed out recipe away. Anxiously awaiting this fall when the book is published!

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks so much, Ruth Anne!

  8. Lucy says:

    Is there any substitute for the milk?

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Lucy. Oat milk would probably work here.

  9. Tim says:

    5 stars
    I made this last night with a homemade baharat mixture and hot water crust pastry instead of phyllo which I didn’t have handy. It turned out great even with the substitutes! The baking dish in the pictures looks a bit bigger than 9.5″ x 13″. Is that the size you used? Thanks!

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Tim. Yes, that is the size that was used.

  10. Ania says:

    5 stars
    Simply delicious!

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks, Ania!

  11. Kim says:

    5 stars
    Very good! I’ve always wanted to make a meat pie with phyllo, so thanks for the helpful tips! I added a few more spices and served it with a side of mint-cilantro sauce. Very tasty, and I suspect it’s going to be even better the next day. Thanks, Suzy, for sharing your fabulous recipes. I’m a huge fan, and love being introduced to spices like baharat.

    1. Suzy says:

      Awesome! Thanks, Kim!

  12. Chrissie O. says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is SO DANGED GOOD!!! When I buy phyllo, it comes in two rolls, so I typically make both this and Spanakopita (or Radikiocopita, if fresh dandelion greens are available, which I blanch and sub for spinach – SO healthy!!! And #foraging…) Anyway, the ONLY thing I do differently is to double the custard; my family is crazy-nuts about the puffy layer of custard, so occasionally I’ve even use 2 eggs to 1 cup whole milk, if the eggs are on the smaller size…). My family (and frequent visitors!) know they’re in for a treat, when this is in the oven!!! 🙂 #love…

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks so much, Chrissie!

  13. Karen HG says:

    5 stars
    I have made this a lot. Even very fussy eaters love it and have asked me to make it again and again. I’ve even had to take portions of it to neighbours!!
    Wouldn’t change a thing, it’s perfect as it is- thank you!

  14. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    One of our favorites. Thanks so much!

    1. Suzy says:

      Yay! Glad to hear it!

  15. Suzanne says:

    5 stars
    Oh for crying out loud this recipe was amazing! I am honestly stuffed as is the rest of my family! Thank you for this recipe ❤️

    1. Suzy says:

      Lol! So glad you enjoyed it!

  16. Courtney says:

    Hi there,

    I just did this recipe and it was amazing! I just wanted to know how to store it in the fridge? and for how long?

    Thanks!

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Courtney! You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, tightly covered.