Indulge in the rich, Mediterranean flavors of a classic *Greek Freighter Meat Pie*, a savory delight perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This hearty recipe layers tender, spiced ground beef or lamb—infused with warm cinnamon, allspice, and oregano—and a luscious tomato-based sauce with black olives and crumbled feta, all encased in golden, flaky phyllo pastry. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and buttery goodness, evoking the culinary essence of Greece. Quick to prep and baked to perfection in just 40 minutes, this meat pie is an impressive dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Serve it alongside a crisp Greek salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Mix in the cinnamon, ground allspice, and dried oregano, cooking for another minute to release the spices’ aroma.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the meat mixture has thickened slightly, fold in the sliced black olives and crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat.
Brush a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with melted butter.
Layer one sheet of phyllo pastry in the baking dish, allowing the excess to hang over the edges. Brush the sheet lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process with 5 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with butter.
Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
Top the filling with 6 more layers of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter. Tuck any overhanging edges into the dish to seal the pie.
Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of the pie into serving-sized squares, taking care not to cut all the way through.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the phyllo pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Allow the meat pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
2480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.0 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.4 g | 242% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 400 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 4840 mg | 210% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 181.5 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.1 g | ||
| Protein | 103.7 g | 207% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 238 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 20.2 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 2777 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.