Kreatopita (Greek Meat Pie) Recipe

Introduction

Kreatopita is a savory Greek meat pie made with ground beef and flaky phyllo pastry. This delicious dish combines a flavorful meat and rice filling baked between layers of crisp phyllo, perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a pan with a little oil, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked.
3. Step 3: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water, reduce heat, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until the rice begins to soften.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or oil.
5. Step 5: Lay 5 phyllo sheets in the baking dish one at a time, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
6. Step 6: Spread the meat and rice filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the dish.
7. Step 7: Top the filling with the remaining 5 phyllo sheets, again brushing each with melted butter or olive oil.
8. Step 8: Bake the kreatopita in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving to let the filling set.

Tips & Variations

• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free version.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the filling for extra flavor.
• To ensure the rice cooks fully, you can pre-cook it slightly before adding to the meat mixture.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad or tzatziki for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover kreatopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can also freeze the pie before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in kreatopita?

Yes, ground lamb or a mix of beef and pork can be used for a richer flavor. Adjust seasoning as desired to complement the meat choice.

Do I have to use phyllo sheets?

Phyllo is traditional and gives the pie its signature flaky texture. However, puff pastry can be used as an alternative, although the texture will be different but still tasty.

Kreatopita (Greek Meat Pie) Recipe

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Kreatopita is a traditional Greek savory pie made with ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce layered between crispy phyllo dough sheets, baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish combines tender and flavorful meat filling with the delicate crunch of butter-brushed phyllo, making it a perfect comfort food for family meals or special occasions.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 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
• A splash of water

Phyllo Layers

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

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion: Heat a pan with some oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with onions and cook until it is nicely browned and no longer pink.
3. Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water to the mixture and reduce the heat to simmer.
4. Simmer the filling: Allow the meat and rice mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the rice begins to soften.
5. Prepare the phyllo base: Grease a baking dish. Layer 5 phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter or olive oil to ensure crispness during baking.
6. Spread the meat mixture: Evenly spread the simmered meat and rice filling over the layered phyllo base in the dish.
7. Add the phyllo top layers: Place the remaining 5 phyllo sheets over the meat filling, brushing each layer again with melted butter or olive oil to help create a golden, flaky crust.
8. Bake the kreatopita: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pie for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top phyllo layers turn golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the kreatopita to cool slightly to set before slicing into portions and serving.

Notes

• If you prefer, substitute olive oil for butter to make the recipe lighter.
• For added flavor, you can include a clove of minced garlic when sautéing the onions.
• Cover unused phyllo sheets with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while assembling.
• Ensure the pie cools for at least 10 minutes to help it hold together when slicing.
• This pie can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: kreatopita, Greek meat pie, phyllo pie, ground beef pie, savory pie, Greek cuisine