Egyptian Ground Beef and Phyllo Goulash with Custard Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances flaky, buttery layers with savory ground beef and a luscious custard topping, the Egyptian Ground Beef and Phyllo Goulash with Custard Recipe is an absolute winner. This traditional Egyptian comfort food brings together crispy phyllo dough, spiced beef filling, and a delicate egg-milk custard to create a magical harmony of textures and flavors. Every bite feels indulgent yet homey, making it an unbeatable choice for family dinners or special gatherings where you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each element plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture—from the rich, spiced ground beef to the buttery phyllo sheets and the smooth custard that crowns it all.

• Phyllo dough (about 16 sheets): The star crisp, paper-thin layers that make the goulash truly stand out.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Essential for brushing phyllo sheets, adding richness, and helping them brown beautifully.
• Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty, savory filling packed with protein and flavor.
• Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For perfectly softening the onions and cooking the beef evenly.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the beef mixture.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Brings a warm, aromatic note typical to Egyptian cuisine.
• Allspice (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds complexity and a subtle exotic flavor to the filling.
• Milk (1 cup): The base for the creamy custard topping that binds everything together.
• Large egg (1): Gives the custard structure and a silky texture.

How to Make Egyptian Ground Beef and Phyllo Goulash with Custard Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or oil. This ensures your goulash won’t stick, and the edges will crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, releasing that sweet aroma that signals great things to come. Then, add the ground beef along with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and allspice if you’re using them. Cook the mixture thoroughly until all the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat so your goulash doesn’t become greasy. Let this flavorful filling cool slightly before layering.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough

Phyllo can be delicate, so handle with care. Place half of the thawed phyllo sheets into your prepared baking dish, one at a time, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Be patient and get every layer coated—that buttery richness is what gives this dish its signature crispiness and golden shine.

Step 4: Add the Beef Filling

Spread the cooled ground beef mixture evenly over the bottom layers of phyllo. This evenly distributed filling is what gives each bite its perfect balance of meatiness and crispy pastry.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Phyllo

Continue layering the rest of the phyllo sheets on top of the beef, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Once all sheets are layered, tuck the edges neatly inward to create a clean, sealed border. This helps the goulash bake uniformly and keeps the filling perfectly enclosed.

Step 6: Score for Even Baking

Before placing the dish in the oven, take a sharp knife and cut the layered goulash into squares or diamond shapes. This quick step not only helps the heat penetrate evenly but also makes serving much easier later on.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown and crisp top—this is where patience pays off. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal about to unfold.

Step 8: Prepare the Custard Mixture

While the goulash bakes, whisk together the milk and egg in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. This silky custard will add an irresistible creamy layer that complements the crunchy phyllo and savory beef.

Step 9: Add Custard and Finish Baking

When the goulash is golden and crisp, remove it from the oven. Slowly pour the milk and egg custard evenly over the entire baked surface—this step will seem a bit counterintuitive but trust it! Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the custard is set and just a tiny bit firm to the touch.

Step 10: Cool Slightly and Serve

Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the custard to settle fully. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature—the flavors continue to deepen as it rests.

How to Serve Egyptian Ground Beef and Phyllo Goulash with Custard Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the top add a refreshing burst of color and a touch of brightness to balance the richness of the dish. A light drizzle of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice on the side also pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Egyptian classic shines alongside simple cucumber and tomato salad, lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil. A side of pickled vegetables or a bowl of plain, fluffy rice also complements the goulash’s hearty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, consider serving individual portions on beautiful plates with microgreens for visual appeal. You can also create mini goulash bites using smaller baking dishes or muffin tins, perfect as appetizers that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Egyptian Ground Beef and Phyllo Goulash with Custard Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain crispness and moisture balance. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the phyllo.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled goulash tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It freezes well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the custard topping, then bake fresh when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to revive that golden crust and warm through evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the phyllo crispy.

FAQs

Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb offers a richer, slightly tangier flavor that works wonderfully with the spices in the filling. Just cook it the same way you would the beef.

Is it necessary to brush each phyllo sheet with butter?

Yes, brushing each layer is key to achieving the perfect crisp, flaky texture and that beautiful golden color that defines this dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with a spiced mixture of lentils or mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian version, but keep the same layering technique to preserve the dish’s character.

What does the custard add to the goulash?

The custard adds a luscious, creamy finish that contrasts beautifully with the crisp phyllo and savory meat, creating a multi-textural experience that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Is it better to serve the goulash warm or at room temperature?

Both work well! Warm goulash highlights the melty custard, while room temperature serving allows the flavors to meld more deeply and the phyllo to maintain its crispness.

Final Thoughts

Making the Egyptian Ground Beef and Phyllo Goulash with Custard Recipe is like inviting a little taste of Egyptian tradition into your kitchen, with layers of buttery delight and cozy spices that simply can’t be beat. It’s a dish that brings people together, warms hearts, and keeps everyone asking for seconds. Give it a go and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation!

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