If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a dish that’s rich, fragrant, and wonderfully comforting, the Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. This vibrant dish combines tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and delightfully crisp layers of buttery phyllo dough, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a Middle Eastern-inspired treat, this recipe brings warmth and a touch of exotic flair right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in building the deep flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable, from the spices that add warmth to the flaky phyllo that provides irresistible crunch.
- Ground beef: The hearty and juicy protein base that carries all the wonderful spices.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch when sautéed.
- Olive oil: Helps to perfectly sauté the onions and beef while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Ground allspice: Brings a warm and slightly peppery aroma reminiscent of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Cinnamon: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth that’s essential in Egyptian spice blends.
- Paprika: For a smoky, vibrant touch of color and flavor.
- Phyllo dough: The star of the show, offering delicate, crisp layers that contrast beautifully with the savory beef.
- Melted butter: Used to brush the phyllo sheets, creating a golden and flaky crust.
- Milk: Combined with eggs to create a custard topping that keeps the phyllo tender inside while Crisply baking.
- Large eggs: Binds the custard together and enriches the dish with silky texture.
How to Make Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and soften. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns evenly. Once cooked through, stir in salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and paprika to infuse the beef mixture with incredible Middle Eastern warmth and depth. Let this simmer briefly to marry the flavors before setting it aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Phyllo Layers
Lightly butter your baking dish to prevent sticking and give the bottom layer a rich base. Carefully lay half of your phyllo sheets, brushing each one with melted butter to ensure crisp, golden layers. This buttery layering is essential to creating the irresistible crispiness that will contrast delightfully with the tender beef.
Step 3: Add the Filling and Top Layer
Spread the spiced ground beef mixture evenly over the prepared phyllo base, creating a savory, flavorful layer. Then, continue by layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top, again brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. This topping locks in moisture and bakes to a heavenly crunch that will make your kitchen smell divine.
Step 4: Cut and Add the Custard
Using a sharp knife, score the top phyllo layer into squares or diamonds before baking. This step makes serving a breeze after the dish is baked. Next, whisk together milk and eggs to create a custard-like mixture and pour it evenly over the entire dish. This custard soaks into the phyllo layers, lending a soft, luscious texture beneath the crisp topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled goulash into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a stunning golden brown color and crackly to the touch. Let it rest for about ten minutes before slicing and serving; this allows the filling to set and the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, scatter freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top just before serving. A dollop of strained yogurt or a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts adds a fresh creaminess and crunchy contrast that perfectly complements the spice and texture of the goulash.
Side Dishes
Serve this Egyptian Beef Goulash with simple sides that balance the richness: a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil is refreshing. Alternatively, a side of tangy pickled vegetables or lightly spiced lentils pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, serve the goulash in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets, allowing guests to enjoy their own crispy portions fresh from the oven. You can also layer the filling into mini phyllo tart shells for an appealing appetizer twist that works wonderfully at parties or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, maintaining a good balance of moistness and crispness if properly covered.
Freezing
This goulash freezes nicely if you want to prepare it a day or two ahead. Freeze the uncooked assembled dish wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or freeze leftovers after cooking. When freezing uncooked, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, it’s best to use the oven to bring back the phyllo’s crispiness. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the phyllo soggy and take away the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground lamb offers a richer, deeper flavor that complements the spices beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as lamb can be fattier.
Is phyllo dough gluten-free?
Traditional phyllo dough is made from wheat flour and contains gluten. If gluten is a concern, look for specialized gluten-free phyllo alternatives or consider a different pastry base.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and spices to mimic the texture and flavor without meat. Just ensure the filling remains moist and well-seasoned.
How important is it to brush each phyllo sheet with butter?
Brushing each sheet with melted butter ensures layers bake into that characteristic flaky, crisp texture. Skipping this step can result in a dry or chewy final product.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are delicious reheated in the oven, served with fresh yogurt or a salad to brighten the richness. They also make a great filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day!
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe is like inviting a little slice of Middle Eastern magic into your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and special enough to serve whenever you want to impress or simply enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this dish your own—your taste buds will thank you!
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Egyptian Beef Goulash with Phyllo and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Description
Egyptian Beef Goulash is a savory layered pastry dish featuring spiced ground beef wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. Baked to golden perfection with a rich egg and milk wash, this comforting meal blends fragrant Middle Eastern spices like allspice, cinnamon, and paprika with tender meat and flaky pastry, perfect for a hearty family dinner or festive gathering.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Phyllo Layers
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or as needed for brushing)
Egg Wash
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the goulash.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the finely chopped onion, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
- Season Filling: Stir in salt, pepper, ground allspice, cinnamon, and paprika; cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to combine flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Phyllo (Base): Layer half of the thawed phyllo sheets in the baking dish, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter before adding the next for a crispy, buttery crust.
- Add Filling: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the layered phyllo base.
- Layer Phyllo (Top): Cover the beef with the remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Score Pastry: Using a sharp knife, cut through the layered pastry into squares or diamond shapes to facilitate slicing after baking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together milk and eggs until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the entire dish to enrich the topping and help it brown.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the goulash from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set and to cool slightly for easy slicing.
Notes
- Use thawed phyllo dough to prevent tearing; keep covered with a damp towel while working to maintain moisture.
- Brush each phyllo layer generously with melted butter to ensure crisp, golden layers.
- Adjust spices to taste, adding more cinnamon or paprika for a richer flavor.
- Serve warm as a main course alongside a fresh salad or yogurt sauce for balance.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
