Growing up in a small Egyptian village, the aroma of simmering beef goulash wafting through the air was a familiar and comforting scent. I can still vividly remember the cozy afternoons when my grandmother would invite the whole family over to enjoy her legendary Egyptian beef goulash, or as she called it, “phyllo beef pie.” It was a dish that brought us all together, the savory flavors mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation.
My grandmother’s recipe was a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations, and it wasn’t until I was older that she finally decided to share it with me. I can still recall the way her eyes twinkled with pride as she meticulously walked me through each step, ensuring I understood the nuances that made her Egyptian beef goulash so special.
Why This Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie )
What sets this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe apart is the perfect balance of spices and the flaky, buttery phyllo crust that envelops the tender beef. The key is in the slow-simmered, deeply flavored beef mixture, which is then layered between sheets of crisp phyllo dough, creating a delightful contrast of textures in every bite. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a true labor of love, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe is a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, which lend a warm, earthy depth to the dish. High-quality beef chuck or shoulder is essential, as the long, slow cooking process transforms the tough cut into meltingly tender morsels. Diced tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste provide the perfect acidity to balance the richness of the meat. And of course, the flaky phyllo dough is the crowning glory, creating a crisp and golden crust that elevates this dish to new heights.
Step-by-Step Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) Instructions
Preparing Your Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie )
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe. The process may take a bit of time, but trust me, the end result is well worth the effort. With a total cooking time of around 2 hours, you’ll need to set aside some time to let the flavors meld and the meat become perfectly tender. Make sure you have a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, as well as a sharp knife and a food processor or blender on hand.
1- Begin by trimming the beef of any excess fat and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. This will help the meat cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
2- In a food processor, pulse the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until they’re finely chopped. This will create a flavorful base for the goulash.
3- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4- Next, add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. You want to get a nice sear on the meat to lock in the juices and flavor.
5- Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and all the spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the goulash cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender.
6- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the pot and give the goulash a final stir. Then, begin assembling your phyllo pie by layering the beef mixture between sheets of buttery phyllo dough in a baking dish. Finish with a crisp, golden top layer of phyllo.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Be patient with the simmering process – the longer the beef cooks, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
- Don’t be afraid to add a splash of beef broth or water if the goulash starts to look too dry during the simmering stage.
- When assembling the phyllo layers, be sure to brush each sheet with melted butter or olive oil to achieve that signature crispy texture.
- If the top of the phyllo pie starts to brown too quickly, simply cover it with a sheet of foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing Your Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie )
Perfect Pairings for Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie )
This Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, some steamed or roasted vegetables, and a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious juices. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf. And to really complement the rich, savory flavors, a glass of bold red wine or a refreshing lemonade would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. The goulash itself can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. When ready to assemble the pie, simply layer the beef mixture between the phyllo sheets and bake as directed.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or you can freeze the entire baked pie for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 45 minutes to an hour.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie )
Creative Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) Variations
While the traditional version of this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) is already a taste sensation, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier twist, try adding diced potatoes or carrots to the beef mixture. You could also experiment with different spice blends, like a touch of harissa or a sprinkle of za’atar. And for a vegetarian option, replace the beef with a mix of roasted vegetables, like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Making Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) Diet-Friendly
To make this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) more diet-friendly, you can opt for a lower-fat beef cut, such as sirloin or round, and trim any excess fat. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the phyllo dough with gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade gluten-free pie crust. And for a dairy-free adaptation, use olive oil instead of butter when brushing the phyllo sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of beef cubes?
A: While ground beef can work in a pinch, I highly recommend using cubed beef chuck or shoulder for the best texture and flavor in this Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe. The longer cooking time allows the tougher cuts to become meltingly tender.
Q: How can I ensure the phyllo dough stays crisp?
A: The key to keeping the phyllo dough crisp is to brush each layer generously with melted butter or olive oil before assembling the pie. This helps create that signature flaky texture. Additionally, be sure not to overfill the dish, as too much filling can make the phyllo soggy.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The goulash mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply layer the phyllo dough and bake as directed. You can also freeze the entire baked pie for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe will yield approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the size of your baking dish and how you choose to portion it out.
Q: What should I do if the phyllo dough starts to tear?
A: Don’t worry, a few torn sheets are no problem! Simply overlap the torn pieces and continue layering the phyllo dough. The butter or oil will help the layers stick together, and no one will be able to tell the difference in the final dish.
Egyptian Beef Goulash (Phyllo Beef Pie)
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the rich, spice-infused flavors of this Egyptian beef goulash wrapped in flaky, golden-brown phyllo dough. This quick and easy recipe combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and the crisp texture of phyllo for a truly satisfying main course.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp paprika
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup beef broth
– 8 sheets phyllo dough
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes.
2. 2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. 3. Stir in the paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. 4. Reduce the heat to low and let the goulash simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the flavors have melded.
5. 5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. 6. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in a 9-inch pie dish, brushing it with melted butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets, brushing each one with butter.
7. 7. Spoon the beef goulash filling into the phyllo-lined pie dish, then top with the remaining 2 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing with butter.
8. 8. Bake the Egyptian beef goulash (phyllo beef pie) for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
9. 9. Let the pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use a blend of ground beef and ground lamb. Adjust the spices to your personal taste preferences. The cooked pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Conclusion
This Egyptian beef goulash ( phyllo beef pie ) recipe is a true labor of love, but I can assure you that the end result is worth every minute of effort. The combination of the slow-simmered, flavorful beef and the crisp, golden phyllo crust is simply out of this world. I hope you’ll give this dish a try and experience the same joy and nostalgia that I felt growing up with my grandmother’s version. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out for you. Bon appétit!