Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish wrapped in golden, flaky pastry, especially when the inside is packed with warm spices, tender rice, and savory meat. These Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi) are a beautiful mix of texture and flavor — buttery, crisp layers surrounding a fragrant filling of spiced ground beef, peas, and carrots. It’s a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes, yet surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why it’s such a Middle Eastern favorite.

Behind the Recipe

Ouzi is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration every time it’s served. I first learned to make it from a family friend who would always prepare it for special gatherings. Traditionally, it’s made with lamb and served as one large pie, but this version turns it into mini puff pastry parcels that are perfect for sharing. It’s a modern take on a classic — quick, handheld, and bursting with nostalgic flavor.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Ouzi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, often enjoyed during festive occasions like Ramadan, Eid, and family celebrations. It’s known for its rich blend of rice, meat, and spices — often encased in thin dough or pastry. The addition of puff pastry is a contemporary twist that adds buttery crispness while keeping all the comforting flavors of the original dish intact. It’s the perfect example of old-world flavor meeting modern convenience.

Why You’ll Love Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi)

This dish is hearty, fragrant, and visually stunning — a complete meal wrapped up in golden pastry.

Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or party food.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch into multiple servings.
Quick and Easy: Puff pastry makes assembly effortless.
Customizable: You can swap in vegetables or use different proteins.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, savory, and beautifully spiced — no one can resist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the filling and pies can be prepped ahead.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat easily in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Drain the rice well: Too much water will make the filling soggy.
• Cool the filling: Let it cool before stuffing so the pastry stays crisp.
• Don’t overstuff: A little goes a long way — it helps the pies bake evenly.
• Seal tightly: Press edges well or use a fork to crimp for no leaks.
• Brush with egg wash: This gives that signature golden finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You only need a few basic tools to make these pies come together:

Large skillet: For cooking the meat and vegetables.
Saucepan: To cook the rice until tender.
Mixing bowls: For combining filling ingredients.
Baking tray: To bake the pies evenly.
Pastry brush: For brushing with egg wash.
Knife and spoon: For shaping and filling the pastries.

Ingredients in Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi)

Every element in this recipe brings warmth and comfort, with a balance of spices and textures.

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound (80% lean) — hearty and flavorful, forms the base of the filling.
2. Allspice: 1 tablespoon — adds warmth and depth typical of Middle Eastern cooking.
3. Salt: To taste — enhances all the flavors.
4. Calrose Rice: 2 cups, soaked in water for 2 hours — tender, slightly sticky grains that absorb the seasoning beautifully.
5. Boiling Water: 2¼ cups — to cook the rice to perfection.
6. Frozen Peas: 1 pound — for color and sweetness.
7. Carrots (optional): 1 cup, finely diced — add a pop of color and balance the flavors.
8. Puff Pastry Squares: 10 pieces — buttery and flaky, the perfect wrap for the savory filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here are some easy swaps if you need them:

Ground Beef: Use ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.
Calrose Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice also work well.
Allspice: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if you don’t have it.
Puff Pastry: Use phyllo dough or pie crust as alternatives.
Peas and Carrots: Swap for corn or finely chopped green beans.

Ingredient Spotlight

Allspice: This aromatic spice blend gives the dish its signature warmth — a comforting combination of sweet and savory notes that make the filling unforgettable.
Puff Pastry: Buttery, flaky, and golden, it turns this humble filling into something luxurious and festive.

Instructions for Making Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi)

Follow these steps for a flawless result every time:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in allspice and salt. Add peas and carrots and cook until tender.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a saucepan, cook the soaked rice in 2¼ cups boiling water until fluffy and tender, about 10–12 minutes. Combine the cooked rice with the meat and vegetables, mixing until evenly combined. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Place a puff pastry square on a clean surface. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling into the center. Fold the corners toward the center to form a parcel, pinching edges to seal.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Arrange the pies on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with egg wash for shine.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of Ouzi lies in its contrasts — flaky, buttery pastry on the outside and a warm, aromatic filling inside. The allspice gives a cozy, fragrant flavor, while the peas and carrots add sweetness and color. Every bite feels satisfying yet light, with the pastry crunch giving way to soft, spiced rice and tender beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Cool the filling before wrapping — it prevents soggy pastry.
• Bake on the middle rack for even color and crispness.
• Use thawed puff pastry, but don’t let it get too soft.
• Brush lightly with egg wash for perfect golden tops.

What to Avoid

• Don’t overfill — they’ll burst open in the oven.
• Avoid skipping the cooling step — it affects pastry texture.
• Don’t bake at too low a temperature — puff pastry needs heat to rise.
• Don’t reheat in the microwave — it will soften the pastry.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10 pies
Calories per serving: ~420

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble the pies just before baking, or freeze them unbaked for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F until golden. Leftovers reheat best in the oven for 10 minutes.

How to Serve Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi)

Serve with a side of cool yogurt, a crisp salad, or a drizzle of tahini sauce. These little pies are also perfect for lunchboxes or buffets — easy to hold, easy to love.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Break leftover pies into chunks and toss with salad greens and yogurt dressing for a deconstructed version.
• Chop up and stuff into pita bread with lettuce and sauce.
• Crumble into a rice bowl with extra veggies for a quick meal.

Additional Tips

• Sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top for extra flair.
• Add toasted pine nuts to the filling for crunch.
• Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve these pies on a wooden board with sprigs of parsley and lemon wedges. A light brushing of butter after baking gives them extra shine. Present them with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic yogurt or mint labneh for a beautiful spread.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Ouzi: Replace beef with lentils or chickpeas.
• Chicken Version: Use shredded cooked chicken and chicken broth for the rice.
• Mini Party Bites: Cut puff pastry smaller for bite-sized appetizers.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or harissa for a kick.
• Nutty Delight: Add toasted almonds or cashews to the filling.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make Ouzi ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to assemble.

2. Can I freeze them?

Definitely! Freeze before baking and bake directly from frozen when needed.

3. Can I use other meats?

Yes, ground lamb or chicken both work beautifully.

4. How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Cool the filling completely before adding it to the pastry.

5. Can I make them smaller?

Yes, just reduce the filling amount and bake time by a few minutes.

6. What if I don’t have allspice?

Use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves.

7. Can I add nuts?

Absolutely — toasted pine nuts or almonds are traditional and delicious.

8. Can I use leftover rice?

Yes, just make sure it’s warm enough to absorb the flavors when mixed with the meat.

9. What dipping sauce goes best?

Plain yogurt, garlic sauce, or a minty labneh are great options.

10. How long do they stay crispy?

They’re best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven to re-crisp.

Conclusion

These Savory Puff Pastry Pies Stuffed with Meat and Rice (Ouzi) are the perfect blend of comfort and celebration. They’re rich, aromatic, and beautifully wrapped in golden pastry that shatters with every bite. Whether for a family dinner or festive feast, they bring warmth and joy to the table — one golden parcel at a time.

Print