Savory Feta Pies

Pie pastry circles filled with feta cheese and a seasoned ground beef mixture for a wedding of savory sensations that is then baked to a golden finish. I make this when company comes over, and they all rave about it. It's the feta cheese that gives it a gourmet flavor, and the crust comes out very flakey and buttery. Marinated beef cuts also work well.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 998 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 cup feta cheese
• 2 (9 inch) frozen pie crusts, thawed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute onion until soft, about 2 minutes. Add beef and brown slightly; drain excess fat. Stir in tomato, garlic powder, coriander, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and cook until meat is evenly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Remove one pie crust from pan and roll out on a lightly floured surface. Cut pastry into four 6 inch circles; place circles on lined cookie sheet and lightly brush with egg beat. Place 1/4 cup of feta cheese onto each circle and top with some beef mixture, leaving enough room to seal dough 'pockets'.

Step 4

Remove second pie crust from pan and roll out on lightly floured surface. Cut pastry into four 6 inch circles, as with first pie crust. Brush one side of each circle with egg beat and place, egg-side-down, on top of prepared pie circles. Pinch crusts together to seal around the edges. Use dough scraps to fill any holes or tears in the pie 'pockets'. Brush tops with egg beat and make a small slit in the top of each pie (to allow steam to escape).

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.