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+ servings
image of fresh ground beef phyllo dough onion butter oil mineral water salt pepper garlic potatoes carrots Vegeta paprika arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Bosnian Beef Phyllo Pies

A savory, layered pie filled with tender ground beef and onions, encased in crispy phyllo dough for a comforting Balkan dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Balkan, Bosnian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Flavorful Filling
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef preferably 80/20 mix for moisture and flavor
  • 2 large Yellow Onion finely diced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter for sautéing
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Phyllo Layers
  • 1 box Phyllo Dough about 1 lb, thawed completely
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter melted
  • 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil or neutral oil like canola
  • 0.5 cup Cold Mineral Water carbonated for puffiness
  • 1 pinch Salt for the liquid mixture

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Small bowl
  • oven

Method
 

Prepare the Beef Filling
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef changes color and is just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Ensure your phyllo is fully thawed. Gently unroll the sheets and place them between two damp kitchen towels or plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, and mineral water. Whisk briskly until slightly emulsified. Add a pinch of salt.
Assemble the Rolls
  1. Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly but entirely with the butter-water mixture. Place a second sheet directly on top and brush it again.
  2. Spoon a thin line of the beef filling along the long edge of the doubled phyllo sheet, leaving about an inch border on the sides.
  3. Fold the short sides over the filling. Starting from the long edge with the filling, roll the phyllo into a long, thin rope.
  4. Lightly oil a 9-inch round cake pan. Coil the first roll around the center of the pan, forming a tight spiral. Continue with more rolls, attaching to the end of the previous one, spiraling outwards until the pan is full.
  5. Cover the top with any remaining butter-water mixture. Prick gently with a fork to allow steam to escape. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing into wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 30g

Notes

Keep phyllo covered to prevent drying. For crispiness, use mineral water in the mixture. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp. Serves well with yogurt, sour cream, or a simple salad.
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