Kreatopita Recipe: Authentic Greek Meat Pie with Flaky Phyllo

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Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this Kreatopita recipe—a golden, flaky meat pie layered with seasoned ground beef and tender rice. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this traditional Greek dish will impress family and friends alike. Its crisp phyllo layers and aromatic filling deliver a satisfying combination of texture and taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Filling

• 500g ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Phyllo Dough Layers

• 10 sheets phyllo dough
• ½ cup melted butter or olive oil

Instructions for Kreatopita

1. Sauté Aromatics and Beef

• Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned.

2. Build the Filling

• Stir in rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Add 2 tablespoons of water and simmer for 10 minutes until rice absorbs flavors.

3. Prepare the Phyllo Base

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or oil.
• Layer 5 phyllo sheets at the bottom, brushing each with melted butter or oil.

4. Add Meat Filling

• Spread the cooked beef and rice mixture evenly over the phyllo base.

5. Top with Phyllo

• Cover the filling with the remaining 5 phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter or oil.
• Tuck edges neatly for a clean finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.
• Let cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving.

Pro Tips

• Keep phyllo sheets under a damp towel to prevent drying.
• Brush each layer generously with butter for ultimate crispiness.
• For added Greek authenticity, sprinkle feta or fresh dill before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

• Combines tender meat and rice with ultra-crispy phyllo for contrast.
• Easy-to-follow layering technique ensures perfect texture.
• Flexible enough for variations or meal prepping.

Substitutions & Variations

• Meat: Ground lamb or pork can replace beef for a traditional flavor.
• Rice: Brown rice or quinoa can be used (par-cook before adding).
• Herbs: Add thyme or parsley for extra aroma.
• Mini Pies: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Refrigeration: Cover leftovers and store up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Slice and wrap pieces individually; freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes restores crispness; microwave for faster option.

Serving Ideas for Kreatopita

• Serve with a fresh Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or tangy tzatziki sauce.
• Add lemon wedges or sprinkle feta for extra flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lamb or pork instead of beef?
Yes! Lamb adds traditional Greek flavor, and pork works well too. Drain excess fat to avoid soggy filling.

Can I use brown rice or quinoa?
Yes, but par-cook brown rice or quinoa first, as they take longer to cook than white rice.

Can Kreatopita be made ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble a day in advance, store covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving.

What if phyllo tears?
No worries! Overlap torn sheets and brush with butter—bakes beautifully.

How do I prevent phyllo from drying out?
Keep unused sheets under a damp towel and brush each sheet generously as you layer.

This Kreatopita recipe is a golden, flaky Greek meat pie that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Give it a try and bring a taste of Greece straight to your table—crispy, savory, and absolutely irresistible!

Kreatopita Recipe

Ovalioekrg

This authentic Kreatopita recipe is a classic Greek meat pie made with layers of golden, flaky phyllo dough filled with seasoned ground beef and tender rice. Savory, comforting, and perfect for family meals or special gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet
• baking dish
• pastry brush
• chef’s knife

Ingredients

  

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 10 sheets phyllo dough
• 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil

Instructions

 

• Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
• Stir in rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of water and simmer for about 10 minutes until the rice absorbs the flavors.
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer 5 sheets of phyllo dough on the bottom, brushing each with melted butter or oil.
• Spread the cooked beef and rice mixture evenly over the prepared phyllo base.
• Cover the filling with the remaining 5 phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter or oil and tucking in the edges neatly.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent drying. Brush each layer generously with butter or olive oil for the crispiest texture. Let the pie cool slightly before slicing for clean portions.

Keyword greek meat pie, kreatopita recipe, phyllo meat pie, traditional greek recipe

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