Egyptian-Style Beef Goulash (Phyllo Meat Pie)

Crispy layers of goulash (phyllo dough) filled with delicious spiced ground beef and baked to a perfect golden top — just like classic homemade Egyptian cooking.

📝 Ingredients

1️⃣ For the Meat Filling (Ground Beef Mixture)

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt + black pepper
• ½ tsp meat spices
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• (Optional) 1 tbsp tomato paste or 1 small grated tomato

2️⃣ For the Goulash (Phyllo Dough)

• 1 pack phyllo dough (500 g)
• ½ cup melted butter + 2 tbsp oil (for brushing layers)
• Medium baking tray (square or rectangular)

3️⃣ For the Top Mixture (to set the goulash)

• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• (Optional) a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

👨‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

• In a pan over medium heat, add the oil and the chopped onion. Sauté until soft.
• Add the ground beef and stir until its color changes.
• Season with salt, pepper, spices, and cinnamon.
• (Optional) Add tomato paste or grated tomato for richer flavor.
• Cook until the meat is done and all liquids evaporate.
• Let the filling cool completely before using.

2️⃣ Prepare the Goulash

🔹 Prepare the Tray

Brush the baking tray with butter or oil.

🔹 Layering the Phyllo Dough

1. Place the first sheet of phyllo in the tray and brush it generously with the butter–oil mixture.

2. Repeat the process until you use half the sheets (about 6–8 sheets).

3. Spread the ground beef filling evenly over the middle.

4. Cover with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each sheet as you layer.

5. Brush the top sheet well with butter.

✂️ Cutting

Cut the goulash into squares or rectangles before baking so it doesn't break after cooking.

3️⃣ Prepare the Top Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together:
Milk + egg + pinch of salt & pepper.

Pour the mixture gently over the cut goulash, making sure it reaches all corners.

4️⃣ Baking

• Preheat the oven to 180–200°C (350–390°F).
• Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.

✅ Tips

• Make sure the beef filling is completely cool before stuffing.
• Don’t overstuff the goulash — it may fall apart.
• Brushing each layer with butter gives the best crunch.
• You can replace the milk/egg mixture with cooking cream for richer flavor.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Green salad
• Yogurt or tahini salad
• Light soup (lentil or chicken soup)