Meat Pastry
A savory meat pastry featuring flaky fillo layers filled with seasoned ground beef, baked to a golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Melt the margarine and set aside.
- Divide the fillo dough package in half. Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Place the first sheet of fillo in the pan and brush it with margarine.
- Repeat until the first half of the fillo dough is used, then spread the beef mixture evenly over it.
- Cover the beef mixture with the remaining fillo sheets, brushing each sheet with margarine as you layer.
- Cut the assembled pastry into 3 to 3.5-inch squares.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the pastry.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure each layer of fillo is brushed generously with margarine. If you're out of margarine, melted butter or olive oil can be used as substitutes. You can also add spices such as garlic powder or smoked paprika to the beef for extra flavor. Consider incorporating vegetables like sautéed onions or bell peppers for added nutrition, similar to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These meat pastries are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Spinach Meatballs With Fresh Tomato Sauce for a varied meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a warm bowl of Chick Pea Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat pastries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the fillo is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Pastry contains roughly 197 calories, with 5g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 freeze the meat pastries before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled and unbaked pastries. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and vegetables, seasoned well to mimic the flavors of traditional beef recipes.
How do I know when the pastry is fully baked?
The pastry is fully baked when it turns golden brown and is crispy to the touch. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating that the filling is cooked through.
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).