Baked Kibbeh with Beef and Lamb

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Baked Kibbeh with Beef and Lamb.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious dish, grab a large bowl and combine bulgur wheat with boiling water.

2. Step 2

   Cover it up and let it sit for about 30 minutes, allowing the water to be fully absorbed and the bulgur to soften.

3. Step 3

   While that’s happening, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

4. Step 4

   Once the bulgur is ready, stir in a quarter cup of chopped onion, 1 and a half teaspoons of salt, a sprinkle of dried basil, and a dash of black pepper.

5. Step 5

   Next, add in the ground beef and half a pound of ground lamb, mixing everything together until well combined.

6. Step 6

   Now, divide this flavorful mixture into two equal portions.

7. Step 7

   Take one portion and press it evenly into the bottom of a 12x7-inch baking dish, creating a solid base for your dish.

8. Step 8

   On a piece of waxed paper, shape the remaining portion into a rectangle that matches the size of the dish and set it aside for later.

9. Step 9

   In a skillet, cook the remaining quarter cup of onion along with the other half pound of ground lamb over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned, which should take about 5 minutes.

10. Step 10

    Drain any excess grease, then stir in some pine nuts and the remaining half teaspoon of salt for an extra crunch and flavor.

11. Step 11

    Spoon this savory mixture over the meat layer in your baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

12. Step 12

    Now comes the fun part: carefully invert the second meat layer over the filling, peeling off the waxed paper as you go.

13. Step 13

    To give it a decorative touch, score the top layer into diamond shapes by cutting diagonally in both directions, leaving about 3 inches between each cut.

14. Step 14

    Add a small dab of butter in the center of each diamond for a rich finish.

15. Step 15

    Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown.

16. Step 16

    To ensure it’s cooked through, an instant-read thermometer should read at least 160°F (71°C) in the center.

17. Step 17

    Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes and mint for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

18. Step 18

    Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!.