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Kreatopita Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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