Golden, oven-baked Middle Eastern sambousek rolls filled with spiced ground beef, pine nuts, and onions, wrapped in thin pastry and topped with tangy sumac. Served with a cooling yogurt dip, this dish offers irresistible crunch, warmth, and zesty brightness in each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers classic Middle Eastern flavors in a healthier baked version of the beloved sambousek. The rolls are perfectly crisp without deep frying, and the savory beef-pine nut filling is well balanced by a tangy, garlicky yogurt dip. Ideal for appetizers, mezze platters, or even a light dinner, these rolls are both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the rolls:

• 12 phyllo or spring roll sheets, thawed
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon ground sumac

For the yogurt dip:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Extra sumac for topping

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in spices, salt, pepper, and toasted pine nuts. Let the mixture cool.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
5. Cut phyllo or spring roll wrappers into halves or quarters based on desired roll size.
6. Place a spoonful of filling at one end of each wrapper, roll tightly, and seal with water.
7. Arrange rolls seam-side down on the tray. Brush with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with sumac.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
9. Meanwhile, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Top with a pinch of sumac.
10. Serve rolls warm with yogurt dip and lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 rolls and serves 4 to 6 people as an appetizer.
Baking time is 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), with an overall prep and cook time of about 40 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
• Cheese Filling: Use a mixture of feta and mozzarella with chopped herbs.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or a dash of harissa to the meat mixture.
• Pastry Options: Use puff pastry for a flakier texture or wonton wrappers for bite-sized versions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sambousek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. The yogurt dip should be stored separately and consumed within 2 days.

FAQs

How do I keep the sambousek crispy?

Bake them until golden and let them cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess from steam.

Can I freeze sambousek before baking?

Yes, assemble the rolls and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely, ground chicken or turkey works well as a leaner alternative.

What is sumac and where can I find it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice common in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is available in most spice aisles or Middle Eastern markets.

Can I make these rolls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to a day ahead, then bake right before serving.

Is it necessary to use pine nuts?

While traditional, pine nuts can be substituted with slivered almonds or omitted altogether.

What can I serve with beef sambousek?

They pair well with tabbouleh, fattoush, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad.

Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?

Yes, though the texture and greasiness will differ. Baking is the healthier, cleaner option.

Can I use yogurt dip alternatives?

Labneh or tahini-based sauces are great substitutes for the yogurt dip.

What’s the best way to seal the rolls?

Use a small dab of water or a flour-water paste to help seal the edges securely.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Beef Sambousek Rolls with Yogurt Sumac Dip offer a delicious fusion of rich, spiced meat, nutty crunch, and fresh, tangy yogurt. Baked for a healthier twist and easy to prepare ahead of time, this versatile dish is a must-try for your next gathering or weeknight treat.

Print