Name: Kreatopita (Greek Meat Pie) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
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; Water, splash (approx. 1/4 cup); 10 phyllo sheets; 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil

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Introduction

Kreatopita is a delicious Greek meat pie known for its flavorful filling wrapped in crispy, buttery phyllo dough. This savory dish combines ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings, making it a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

A slice of meat pie shows three layers: the top layer is a shiny, golden-brown puff pastry with a slightly crisscrossed pattern and small green herb flakes on it; below that is a thick, crumbly layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small green herbs, and the bottom layer is a layer of cooked, small translucent diced onions. The slice is on a plain white plate placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred part of another pie visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a pan with a bit of oil, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the rice to soften slightly.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish, then layer 5 phyllo sheets inside, brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil to keep them crisp and golden.
Step 5: Spread the meat and rice mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
Step 6: Cover the filling with the remaining 5 phyllo sheets, again brushing each sheet with butter or oil.
Step 7: Bake the kreatopita in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing in some grated feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint into the meat filling.
Use olive oil as a lighter alternative to butter for brushing the phyllo sheets.
Make sure to cover unused phyllo sheets with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while assembling the pie.

Storage

Store leftover kreatopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes to restore crispness. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a single slice of meat pie on a white plate, showing a shiny, golden brown top crust sprinkled with small green herbs, with multiple flaky, light beige layers of puff pastry beneath it. The middle layer is a thick filling of finely ground cooked meat mixed with small bits of onions, displaying a slightly crumbly texture and a rich brown color. The base layer is flaky pastry, holding the filling together neatly, all set against a white marbled surface in soft lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

It’s best to use uncooked rice so it cooks fully along with the meat filling. Using pre-cooked rice might result in a mushy texture.

Can I prepare the kreatopita ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. If freezing, bake first then freeze for best results.