Meat Filled Pie (Greek)
A savory Greek meat-filled pie with a rich combination of ground beef and lamb, cheese, and herbs, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, lamb, and finely chopped onions in oil; season with salt, pepper, and crumbled oregano.
- Add tomato sauce and cook until the mixture is almost dry.
- Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and slightly beaten eggs.
- Line a baking dish with filo pastry, add the meat mixture, and cover with more filo if desired.
- Bake until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some chopped garlic or a pinch of nutmeg to the meat mixture. You can substitute the ground beef and lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you don't have filo pastry, puff pastry can work in a pinch, but it will yield a different texture. This pie is also great with a side of Tomato, Leek And Onion Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This meat-filled pie pairs beautifully with a fresh Greek salad or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside stuffed grapevine leaves (dolmathes) for a full Mediterranean meal. For a gathering, slice it into smaller portions for easy serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry remains crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Filled Pie (Greek) contains roughly 988 calories, with 9g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1517mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or omit the cheese altogether. The filling will still be delicious and flavorful without it.
Can I freeze the pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).