Kreatopita Recipe

Introduction

Kreatopita is a delicious Greek meat pie featuring a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings, all wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. It combines simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful pie that’s sure to please.

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. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
2. Step 2: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water, reduce the heat, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until the rice begins to soften.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or oil.
4. Step 4: Place 5 phyllo sheets in the baking dish one at a time, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter or olive oil to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
5. Step 5: Spread the meat and rice filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the dish.
6. Step 6: Cover the filling with the remaining 5 phyllo sheets, again brushing each sheet with butter or oil as you layer them.
7. Step 7: Bake the kreatopita in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
8. Step 8: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free version with a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the meat mixture.
• Try substituting ground lamb for beef for a richer, traditional taste.
• Make sure to brush each phyllo sheet thoroughly to prevent it from drying out and to achieve a crisp texture.

Storage

Store leftover kreatopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

It’s best to use uncooked rice in this recipe since it simmers with the meat and tomato sauce, absorbing flavors and cooking to the right texture. Using cooked rice might result in a mushy filling.

What can I substitute for phyllo if I can’t find it?

If phyllo is unavailable, you can use puff pastry as a substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ, but it still makes a tasty crust for the pie.

Kreatopita Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

Kreatopita is a traditional Greek meat pie made with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, all layered between crispy phyllo pastry sheets and baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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
• Splash of water (about 1/4 cup)

Phyllo Layers

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

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Beef: In a pan over medium heat, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.
2. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in a splash of water to prevent sticking and help the rice cook. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.
3. Prepare Phyllo Base: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish. Lay 5 phyllo sheets in the dish one at a time, gently brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil to ensure crispiness and prevent burning.
4. Add Meat Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared meat and rice filling over the layered phyllo base inside the baking dish.
5. Top with Remaining Phyllo: Layer the remaining 5 phyllo sheets on top of the meat filling, brushing each sheet again with melted butter or olive oil. This will create a golden, flaky crust when baked.
6. Bake the Kreatopita: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown on top.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the kreatopita from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set. Slice into portions and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

• To prevent the phyllo sheets from drying out, keep them covered with a damp kitchen towel while working.
• You can substitute the ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional touch.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a handful of grated cheese to the meat filling.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: kreatopita, Greek meat pie, phyllo pie, ground beef pie, traditional Greek recipe