Kibbeh Saniye (Baked Lebanese Kibbeh)

A classic Middle Eastern comfort dish made with spiced bulgur and ground beef, layered and baked until golden and crispy.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups fine bulgur

1 ½ lb ground beef

2 medium Spanish onions, grated or pureed

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp allspice

½ cup neutral oil (such as canola)

For the Filling:

2 lb ground beef

2 medium Spanish onions, diced

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp allspice

⅓ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Directions

1️⃣ Prepare the Bulgur & Crust

Soak the bulgur in enough water to fully submerge it, with about 1 inch of water above the surface. Let soak for 30 minutes.

Grate the onions or process them into a smooth paste.

2️⃣ Make the Crust Mixture

Drain the bulgur well, squeezing out excess water. In a large bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, raw ground beef, onion paste (with juices), oil, allspice, and salt.

Mix well by hand or with a mixer using a flat beater until the mixture turns pink and slightly sticky.

3️⃣ Prepare the Filling

In a pan, sauté the diced onions in neutral oil until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the meat cook gently to retain its juices. Stir in salt, allspice, and pine nuts if using.

Once fully cooked, remove from heat and let cool.

4️⃣ Assemble the Kibbeh

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Press half of the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 12-inch round baking pan or glass dish, forming an even layer about 1 inch thick.

Spread the cooled meat filling evenly on top.

Carefully spread the remaining crust mixture over the filling in sections, smoothing it gently.

Using a small knife, score the top into long lines about 1 inch apart, then cross them diagonally to create a diamond pattern (optional but traditional).

5️⃣ Bake

Cover the dish with parchment paper and foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

Uncover, drizzle lightly with neutral oil, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.

✨ Serve warm with yogurt, salad, or fresh pita bread.