Meat Burek

Experience the irresistible flavors of the Balkans with this traditional Meat Burek recipe, a savory pastry filled with spiced ground beef or lamb and wrapped in delicately crisp phyllo dough. Perfectly seasoned with paprika, cumin, and fresh parsley, the rich filling is rolled into buttery layers of dough and baked to golden perfection. What truly sets this dish apart is the yogurt and egg glaze, which adds a delightful golden crust and enhances the burek’s flaky texture. This impressive yet approachable dish is perfect for sharing, making it a standout choice for family meals, potlucks, or gatherings. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Eastern European cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 500 grams phyllo dough
• 100 grams butter
• 200 grams plain yogurt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 2

Finely chop the onion.

Step 3

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until transparent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 10 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Chop the parsley and mix it into the meat filling.

Step 8

Melt the butter in a separate small saucepan or a microwave.

Step 9

Lay out the phyllo dough on a clean kitchen surface. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

Step 10

Take two sheets of phyllo dough and brush them lightly with melted butter.

Step 11

Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture along the long side of the phyllo, leaving a small border.

Step 12

Roll the phyllo tightly over the filling, forming a long roll.

Step 13

Shape the roll in a snail-like coil and place it on a greased baking tray.

Step 14

Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo sheets and meat filling.

Step 15

In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and egg to form a glaze.

Step 16

Brush the yogurt mixture over the top of each burek coil.

Step 17

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 18

Allow the burek to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1616 grams (1616.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4128

Total Fat 254.00g	326%
Saturated Fat 96.30g	481%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.50g
Cholesterol 867mg	289%
Sodium 6380mg	277%
Total Carbohydrate 305.70g	111%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 24.60g
Protein 142.30g	285%

Vitamin D 166IU	829%
Calcium 578mg	44%
Iron 26mg	143%
Potassium 2728mg	58%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.1%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 30.0%