Kreatopita (Greek Meat Pie) Recipe

Introduction

Kreatopita is a delicious Greek meat pie made with a flavorful ground beef and rice filling wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. This savory dish combines tender meat, aromatic spices, and buttery layers for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

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. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until browned.
2. Step 2: Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the rice starts to soften.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish and layer 5 phyllo sheets inside, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter or olive oil.
4. Step 4: Spread the meat and rice mixture evenly over the layered phyllo in the dish.
5. Step 5: Cover the filling with the remaining 5 phyllo sheets, brushing each one with butter or oil as you layer them.
6. Step 6: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
7. Step 7: Allow the kreatopita to cool slightly before slicing and serving to help the filling set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the meat mixture before baking.
• You can substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer taste.
• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• To prevent phyllo from drying out, keep it covered with a damp cloth while working.

Storage

Store leftover kreatopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness, or warm gently in the microwave if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare kreatopita ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bake it fresh before serving.

Is it possible to freeze kreatopita?

Absolutely. Wrap the baked kreatopita tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Kreatopita (Greek Meat Pie) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

Kreatopita is a traditional Greek meat pie featuring a savory ground beef and rice filling layered between crispy, buttery phyllo dough sheets. This baked pie offers a delightful blend of tender meat, aromatic herbs, and flaky pastry, perfect for a comforting meal or special gathering.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 a splash of oil, sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with the sautéed onions and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
3. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a small splash of water to prevent the mixture from drying out, then simmer gently for 10 minutes until the rice absorbs moisture and softens slightly.
4. Prepare Phyllo Layers: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased baking dish, layer 5 phyllo sheets, brushing each generously with melted butter or olive oil to ensure crisp and flaky layers.
5. Add Meat Filling: Spread the cooked meat and rice mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the dish.
6. Top with Remaining Phyllo: Place the remaining 5 phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each sheet with butter or oil as before to achieve a golden crust.
7. Bake Kreatopita: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top phyllo layer is crisp and golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the kreatopita from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving warm.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meat mixture.
• You can substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer taste.
• Ensure phyllo dough remains covered with a damp cloth when assembling to prevent drying out.
• Serve kreatopita with a side of Greek salad or tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: kreatopita, Greek meat pie, ground beef pie, phyllo pie, savory pie, meat and rice pie, Greek cuisine, baked meat pie, phyllo pastry