Name: Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 Onion, diced; 1 tablespoon Aleppo Pepper; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/2 cup Water; 1 package Phyllo Dough; 1/4 cup Olive Oil; 1/2 cup Milk; 1 Egg; 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds; 2 tablespoons Nigella Seeds

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Introduction

Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef is a delightful and savory pastry that’s perfect for sharing. Thin layers of delicate phyllo dough envelop a flavorful beef filling seasoned with Aleppo pepper and aromatic spices. This dish offers a perfect balance of crispy texture and rich taste, ideal for appetizers or a satisfying meal.

A white cast iron skillet holds a large, spiral-shaped golden brown pastry with a shiny, slightly textured surface sprinkled with sesame seeds, filling the entire pan except where a wedge has been cut out, revealing a soft inner layer. In the background, a white plate with a slice of the spiral pastry sits next to crispy golden chicken wings, garnished with green herbs and placed near a bowl of creamy white sauce. A woman's hand holds a fork over the plate, ready to eat. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a grey cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef
1 Onion
1 tablespoon Aleppo Pepper
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 cup Water
1 package Phyllo Dough
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup Milk
1 Egg
2 tablespoons Neutral Oil
2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
2 tablespoons Nigella Seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned throughout, around 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Sprinkle Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.
Step 4: Pour in water to cover the beef mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the liquid evaporates, leaving a moist filling, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and neutral oil until smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a round baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Lay two phyllo sheets on a clean surface, keeping the remaining dough covered with a damp towel. Generously brush the top sheet with the milk mixture.
Step 9: Spread a line of the cooled beef filling along one long edge of the phyllo sheets.
Step 10: Carefully roll the phyllo and filling into a spiral shape and place into the prepared pan. Repeat until all filling and phyllo are used.
Step 11: Brush the top of the spiral borek with the remaining milk mixture, then sprinkle sesame and nigella seeds evenly over the top.
Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 13: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure to brush each phyllo layer generously with the milk mixture to help it brown beautifully.
Substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Adjust Aleppo pepper amount or add chili flakes if you prefer a spicier filling.
If you can’t find nigella seeds, substitute with poppy seeds or omit entirely.

Storage

Store leftover borek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the phyllo from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A golden-brown spiral pastry with a flaky, shiny top sprinkled with white sesame seeds rests on a white plate with a natural brown rim. The pastry is cut to show its dense inner layer filled with dark brown cooked minced meat mixed with some yellow nuts or seeds, giving it a textured look. The outer layer is crisp, thin, and light in color, contrasting with the rich filling inside. A woman's hand holds a slice above the plate, revealing the inside clearly against a white marbled surface and blue patterned background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the spiced ground beef filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.

Is phyllo dough difficult to work with?

Phyllo dough is delicate but easy to handle if you keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Work quickly and be gentle to avoid tearing.