Baked Kibbeh

Baked Kibbeh, also known as kibbeh bil sanieh, is a quintessential Middle Eastern dish that has transcended borders across the globe. It is a savory concoction of finely ground meat, bulgur, onions, and an intoxicating blend of spices, all baked to perfection.

This dish serves not only as a hearty meal but also invites people to explore the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East.

Want to make the classic fried kibbeh? Give this Kibbeh recipe a try next time.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why its a must-try
• 📝 Ingredients
• 🥄 Instructions
• 💡Amira's Tips
• 🧺 Storage
• ⌛ Make Ahead
• 🍽️ Serve With
• 👩‍🍳 Variations
• 💬 FAQs
• 📣 Related Recipes
• 🥣 Equipment
• Baked Kibbeh Recipe

❤️ Why its a must-try

• The unique combination of spices in kibbeh offers a taste that is both rich and comforting.
• Much easier than making the traditional kibbeh balls.
• It can also be enjoyed in various forms, including as a main dish, appetizer, or even as a side. Its versatile nature makes it a perfect fit for any meal.
• It is a great way to explore and appreciate Middle Eastern cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients.

This dish is a great recipe to add more whole grains to your diet. The use of bulgur adds a nutty and wholesome texture to the dish. And, it's hidden in this dish so even picky eaters will enjoy it.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

📋 Ingredient Notes

• Fine bulgur -You can pick this up at most grocery stores.
• Onion - White or yellow onions are best for cooking
• Salt and black pepper - Feel free to adjust these basic seasonings to suit your tastebuds.
• Cinnamon - Just a pinch gives this a warm, cozy flavor.
• Paprika - Use sweet paprika instead of smoked for this recipe.
• Cumin - I love the earthy, warm flavor this adds.
• 7-spice - This is a mixture of black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, coriander, and more. You can find it at most large grocery stores or make your homemade 7-spice mix.
• Ground beef - I like to use ground chuck for the best flavor, lean ground beef is recommended.
• Olive oil - A quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the dish's richness.
• Ghee —This will give your dish a robust and deep flavor. You can also use a small dab of butter.
• Pine nuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
• Blanched almonds - These are a great garnish or you can use pine nuts or even chopped walnuts all make a great garnish for this recipe.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. Wash bulgur thoroughly under running cold water, and strain.
2. In your food processor, add onion and spices, then process. Add bulgur and continue processing until mixed.
3. Gradually add ground beef and process until all combined. Dump the content of the food processor into a large bowl.
4. Add half of the bulgur mix and process again, then add the remaining half and process until the mixture becomes smooth.
5. Place the bulgur mixture into a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate until we finish making the filling.

Make the filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat add oil and saute onion until translucent, add ground beef and brown breaking it apart until no longer pink.
2. Drain excess fat, if any, then mix in the toasted pine nuts if using.

Assemble the Kibbeh:

1. Take one tablespoon of ghee and spread it with your hand evenly to coat the side and bottom of the pan. Divide the kibbeh mixture in half. Spread the first half of the mixture to make the bottom kibbeh layer, ensuring you cover the bottom and sides of your dish.
2. Spoon the filling in and spread evenly.
3. Divide the remaining mixture into balls and flatten them with the palms of your hands. Place those flattened balls on top of the meat mixture. Spread with damp hands, smoothing the surface to make the top layer.
4. Cut the kibbeh into a star or diamond shapes. Take the other tablespoon of ghee and spread it over the top of the kibbeh.
5. Place one pine nut or an almond in the middle of each square if using. Bake as directed below.

💡Amira's Tips

• Make sure your bulgur is finely ground and well-rinsed to avoid a gritty texture in the final dish.
• Feel free to adjust the spice mix according to your taste.
• To help in spreading the kibbeh dough, wet hands with ice water.
• Though a round dish is traditional, any oven-safe dish will do. Just ensure it's well-greased with ghee to prevent sticking and achieve a golden crust.
• Drain the ground beef mixture well to ensure that the excess fat doesn't make the dish too greasy.

🧺 Storage

Storage - Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing - You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating - To reheat, bake in a 350-degree oven until heated through, or heat in the microwave until warm.

⌛ Make Ahead

To make ahead, simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking. Instead of baking, cover your prepared dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook it.

Just keep in mind that you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if it is cold.

🍽️ Serve With

• Serve your Kibbeh hot, alongside a fresh tabbouleh salad or a dollop of labneh for a perfect balance of flavors.
• You could also pair it with these Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables for a simple meal.
• Stuffed grape leaves is one of the traditional dishes to serve on the side.

👩‍🍳 Variations

• You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a different flavor profile. Just note that it may result in a slightly greasier dish.
• For a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas.
• Craving a bit more spice? Add in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the dish a kick.

💬 FAQs

📣 Related Recipes

• Shish Tawook is a popular Middle Eastern chicken dish, marinated in yogurt and spices and then grilled to perfection.
• Samosa is a savory, crispy pastry filled with spiced meat and vegetables. It's the perfect side dish or appetizer.
• This Kofta Kebab Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, grilled to perfection on skewers.
• Craving juicy, flavorful Beef Shawarma without the wait? Skip the takeout and whip up this restaurant-worthy recipe at home!

🥣 Equipment

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• Collander
• Food processor
• Large skillet
• 14-inch round baking dish or 9x13 casserole dish

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