Ingredients

• For the Filling (Kima)
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, grated (or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: a few chopped parsley leaves for freshness
• For the Phyllo Layers
• 8–10 sheets phyllo pastry
• 100 g (½ cup) melted butter or olive oil, for brushing

Directions

• Step 1 — Make the Meat Filling
• Heat olive oil in a wide pan.
• Add onions and cook until soft and golden.
• Stir in garlic and ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Add tomato (or paste), spices, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer until all liquid evaporates and the mixture is aromatic and rich — about 15–20 minutes.
• Let it cool completely before using.
• Step 2 — Assemble the Pie
• Brush a baking pan (around 20×30 cm) with melted butter.
• Lay down half the phyllo sheets, brushing each one lightly with butter or oil.
• Spread the cooled kima filling evenly on top.
• Cover with the remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing each with butter.
• Tuck in the edges to seal the pie.
• Step 3 — Bake
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Score the top gently into squares or rectangles (without cutting through).
• Bake for 40–50 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
• Step 4 — Serve
• Let it cool for 10 minutes, then cut along the scored lines.
• Serve warm, optionally with a side of Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Notes

• 10-27-25 Full Recipe
• I Used
• 50% Beef & 50% Elk
• I Added
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Parsley Dried
• Mpougatsa me Kima is a traditional Greek savory pie made with layers of buttery phyllo dough filled with a rich, fragrant ground meat (kima) mixture.
• While most people know Mpougatsa as the sweet custard-filled pastry, this savory version popular in Northern Greece (Thessaloniki, Macedonia) s equally beloved.
• It’s crisp, golden, and filled with aromatic minced meat, onions, and warm spices the perfect street food or family dish served with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of yogurt.
• Taste & Texture
• Crispy, buttery phyllo layers
• Savory, spiced meat filling with cinnamon and tomato
• Perfect balance of rich and comforting a taste of true Greek tradition
• Mpougatsa me Kima (Μπουγάτσα με κιμά) is a traditional Greek savory pastry filled with ground meat (usually beef or a mix of beef and pork), onions, and spices, wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. It's often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.

Photos