The Best Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Spiral pastries have long captured my culinary curiosity, especially when turkish spiral borek arrives with its delicate, layered charm.

Crisp phyllo dough wraps around seasoned meat in a dance of textures and flavors.

Fragrant spices whisper stories of istanbul’s bustling markets and traditional kitchens.

Each bite promises a journey through rich, comforting ingredients that speak to generations of home cooking.

Flaky pastry and savory filling create a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger and nostalgic cravings.

Craft this delightful dish to transport you to the heart of turkish cuisine, where every recipe tells a story.

You’ll find this borek irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why Turkish Spiral Borek Is a Showstopper Dish

• Craft a Flavor-Packed Meal: Dive into a delicious Turkish spiral borek that combines spiced ground beef with crispy phyllo layers, creating a mouthwatering experience that's sure to impress family and friends.
• Master a Show-Stopping Dish: Learn an authentic recipe that looks professionally prepared, with its beautiful spiral design and golden-brown crust that makes for an incredible presentation at any gathering.
• Enjoy Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that adapts to various meal settings, from casual family dinners to special weekend gatherings with friends.
• Explore Global Culinary Techniques: Discover the art of rolling and coiling phyllo dough while creating a traditional Turkish dish that brings international flavors right to your kitchen.

Ingredients in Turkish Borek with Spiced Beef

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for the Turkish Spiral Borek.
• Phyllo Dough: A delicate, thin pastry that creates the crispy and flaky exterior of the borek.
• Milk: An essential component of the basting sauce that helps achieve a golden, rich surface.

• Aleppo Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that provide depth and enhance the overall flavor of the beef filling.
• Sesame Seeds, Nigella Seeds: Toppings that add a nutty crunch and authentic Turkish touch to the borek.

• Olive Oil, Neutral Oil: Cooking and basting fats that contribute to the borek's rich texture and prevent sticking.
• Eggs: A binding ingredient in the basting sauce that helps create a glossy, golden-brown surface.
• Water: Used to help simmer and develop the beef filling's moisture and flavor.

• Onions: A foundational ingredient that adds sweetness and depth to the ground beef filling.

How to Roll the Perfect Turkish Spiral Borek

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Prepare Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent.

Introduce ground beef and break it apart while cooking until completely browned.

Step 2: Season the Meat Filling

• Aleppo pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour water into the skillet and simmer until liquid evaporates completely.

Let the filling cool down and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Step 3: Create Basting Sauce

• Milk
• Eggs
• Neutral oil

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Brush a round baking pan with olive oil.

Step 5: Layer and Roll Phyllo

Place two phyllo sheets on a clean surface.

Brush top layer with milk mixture. Spoon meat filling along the long edge and roll loosely.

Step 6: Form Spiral Shape

Coil the rolled phyllo into a spiral, starting from the center of the pan. Continue adding rolled phyllo sheets to create an expanding spiral.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

• Sesame seeds
• Nigella seeds

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Bake for 35 minutes until golden and crispy.

Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Crisp, Flavorful Turkish Borek

• Elevate your borek with these game-changing tips
• – Swap ground beef with ground lamb for a richer, more authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile that adds depth to the dish.
• – Control moisture by draining excess fat from the meat to prevent soggy pastry layers and ensure a crispy, flaky texture.
• – Use fresh, high-quality phyllo dough at room temperature to make rolling and handling easier without cracking or tearing.
• – Brush each phyllo sheet generously with the milk mixture to create golden, crisp edges that deliver incredible crunch and shine.
• – Experiment with spice blends like za'atar or sumac to personalize the filling and introduce unique, vibrant taste dimensions.

Tasty Spins on Turkish Spiral Borek Filling

• Vegetarian Spirals: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese for a meat-free version packed with earthy flavors and protein.
• Lamb Infusion: Swap beef for ground lamb, adding cumin and mint for a rich Middle Eastern-inspired filling that brings depth and complexity.
• Chicken Herb Borek: Use ground chicken mixed with fresh parsley, dill, and za'atar spice blend to create a lighter, herb-forward spiral pastry.
• Spicy Cheese Fusion: Incorporate spicy pepper jack cheese and jalapeños into the filling for a bold, zesty alternative that adds kick to the traditional recipe.

Ideal Pairings for Turkish Spiral Borek

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Turkish red wine like Öküzgözü or Boğazkere that complements the spiced beef's richness and cuts through the pastry's buttery layers.
• Refresh with Herbal Tea: Serve with Turkish black tea or sage tea to balance the meat's intensity and cleanse the palate between bites of the crispy borek.
• Complement with Cooling Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a quick tzatziki or plain yogurt dip with chopped herbs like mint or dill to provide a tangy, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
• Match with Mediterranean Salad: Create a simple cucumber, tomato, and parsley salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to add freshness and lightness alongside the hearty borek.

How to Store and Serve Turkish Spiral Borek Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover borek in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled borek completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place borek on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheat Toaster Oven: Slice borek into individual portions. Heat at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to maintain crispness without overcooking.

Turkish Spiral Borek Questions, Answered

• What is the origin of this borek recipe?

This borek is a traditional Turkish pastry dish featuring a spiral shape, typically filled with spiced ground beef and wrapped in delicate phyllo dough.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can use ground lamb or ground turkey as alternative protein options that work well with the spices in this recipe.

• Is Aleppo pepper necessary for the recipe?

While Aleppo pepper adds a distinctive mild heat and fruity flavor, you can substitute it with paprika or red pepper flakes if unavailable.

• How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out?

Cover unused phyllo sheets with a damp kitchen towel while working to keep them moist and prevent cracking during preparation.

Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spiral borek weaves savory ground beef through delicate pastry layers, creating a culinary masterpiece that whispers Turkish kitchen traditions. Crisp phyllo edges and rich meat filling invite you to savor each delectable bite of this classic Anatolian comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (optional)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup water

Dough and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 box frozen phyllo dough (15 to 18 sheets), thawed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings:

• Sesame seeds
• Nigella seeds
• Black sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat until soft and translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, crumbling with a spatula until thoroughly browned.
3. Season the meat mixture with Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Pour water into the skillet, allowing the liquid to completely evaporate while simmering. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
5. Prepare a basting sauce by whisking milk, eggs, and neutral oil until well combined.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a 16-inch round baking pan.
7. Layer two phyllo sheets, positioning them carefully on a clean work surface.
8. Brush the top phyllo sheet with the milk mixture, creating a light, uniform coating.
9. Distribute meat filling along the long edge of the dough, then gently roll into a loose cylinder.
10. Create a spiral pattern by coiling the first roll in the center of the baking pan, continuing with subsequent rolls to build outward.
11. Generously brush the entire borek surface with remaining milk mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Sprinkle sesame and nigella seeds over the top for additional texture and visual appeal.
13. Bake for 35 minutes until the borek achieves a golden, crispy exterior. Slice into wedges and serve while warm.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting Aleppo pepper or using alternative spices like paprika for milder heat.
• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent excess moisture.
• Allow meat filling to cool completely before rolling to prevent soggy phyllo and maintain crisp texture.
• Substitute ground beef with lamb for traditional Middle Eastern flavor or use plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg