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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Lebanese Baked Stuffed Kibbeh

    By Maguy・Published: Jan 25, 2022・Updated: Jun 6, 2023・Post may have affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Lebanese baked kibbeh recipe is stuffed with spiced minced meat, onion, and pinenut mixture sandwiched in between two kibbeh layers and tray-baked to perfection. This baked stuffed kibbeh recipe is the three-layer version of baked kibbeh, or kibbeh bil sanieh. Served alongside some pita bread and cucumber yogurt sauce, or khyar bi laban.

    side view of the three layer stuffed baked kibbeh

    If you are a kibbeh fiend, check out some of our other kibbeh recipes: kibbeh in yogurt, kibbeh nayeh (raw kibbeh), fried kibbeh balls, and potato kibbeh. A great gluten-free option for kibbeh is using quinoa, like in this baked quinoa kibbeh.

    For more delicious Lebanese recipes, check out the 22 of the best Lebanese recipes.

    What I Love About This Recipe

    Baked stuffed kibbeh is delicious Lebanese comfort food. This recipe is a big batch recipe, perfect for gatherings or for leftovers. I love that this recipe can be split between two baking dishes (bake one immediately and store the other in the freezer), so basically it's a second meal ready to go without any effort. This family recipe is brought to you by Aunt Maguy!

    Ingredient Notes

    This Lebanese baked stuffed kibbeh comprises two main parts: the kibbeh stuffing and the kibbeh meat mixture. The kibbeh stuffing is made with lean ground meat, pine nuts, diced onion, spices, and pomegranate molasses. The kibbeh meat mixture is made with 85% ground meat, soaked bulgar wheat, fresh mint, onion, and spices.

    Kibbeh Stuffing

    ingredients for the kibbeh stuffing
    • Lean ground meat: Use 93% or 95% lean ground meat for the stuffing. Use ground beef, ground lamb, or a mixture of both. I use lean ground beef.
    • Pine nuts: These nuts are expensive, so just a little goes a long way. This ingredient turns the stuffing up a notch. However, it can be omitted if needed.
    • Onion: Use brown onion, sweet onion, or yellow onion.
    • Pomegranate molasses: This Middle Eastern ingredient may not be in regular supermarkets. Purchase on Amazon or at a local Middle Eastern grocer.
    • Seven Spices: This is another Lebanese ingredient that might not be in your neighborhood grocery store. Purchase on Amazon, a Middle Eastern grocery store, or make your own with this homemade Lebanese seven spice blend. Substitute a ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ¾ teaspoon allspice for 1 teaspoon of seven spices.

    Kibbeh Meat Mixture

    ingredients for the kibbeh mixture
    • Fine bulgar wheat: There are different sizes of bulgar wheat, so make sure to use the fine bulgur wheat also known as bulgar wheat #1 size. Larger-sized bulgar wheat (like coarse bulgar wheat) requires more than just a quick soak to soften.
    • Ground meat: Use 80% to 85% ground meat either lamb, beef, or a mixture of both. If using lean ground meat, the kibbeh will contract a lot in size when baking. The higher fat content helps the kibbeh mixture not dry out and stay moist.
    • Fresh mint leaves: I highly recommend using fresh mint leaves if possible.
    • Dried mint and dried basil: Do not substitute dried Italian herb mix for the dried mint and dried basil. Dried mint and dried basil are really necessary for this stuffed kibbeh recipe.
    • Onion: Use brown onion, yellow onion, or sweet onion.
    • Spices: Use Lebanese seven spices, allspice, and cinnamon for traditional Lebanese kibbeh.

    See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities.

    How To Make Stuffed Kibbeh

    This recipe is split into three sections: making the kibbeh stuffing, making the kibbeh meat mixture, and assembling and baking the stuffed kibbeh.

    Make the Kibbeh Stuffing

    ground meat, pine nuts, and onions in a nonstick pan

    Make the kibbeh stuffing first, so it has time to cool. In a large nonstick pan on medium-high heat, fry the diced onions in oil (about 5 minutes). Once the onions soften, add the pinenuts and fry for about 2 minutes or until golden. Then add the ground meat to the onion mixture, breaking up the clumps with a wooden spoon.

    ground beef and pine nut stuffing

    Once the meat turns golden brown, add the seven spices, allspice, salt, pepper, and butter (for taste). Turn the stove off and add the pomegranate molasses. Mix and set aside to cool while preparing the kibbeh meat mixture.

    Make the Kibbeh Meat Mixture

    softened bulgar wheat.

    Soften the bulgar wheat by rinsing it in water, draining the water, then letting sit for about 5 minutes.

    add ground meat and bulgar wheat to the food processor

    Make the kibbeh dough mixture in 3 batches. Grind the ground meat, soaked bulgur wheat, and ice cubes together.

    ground kibbeh mixture in a food processor

    Move the blended meat to a large bowl.

    add onion and mint to the food processor

    Blend the onion and fresh mint leaves.

    pulse the onion and mint leaves with the food processor
    add the ground kibbeh mixture

    Add some of the kibbeh meat mixture back into the food processor along with the allspice, seven spices, cinnamon, dried mint, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined.

    add the onion, mint, and beef mixture with ice to a large bowl

    Move the spiced kibbeh meat mixture back into a large mixing bowl with meat and bukgur mixture. Add some ice cubes.

    kneading the kibbeh meat mixture

    In a separate bowl, add some water and ice cubes. Dip your hands in the cold water. Using your hands, knead the kibbeh meat mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes until all of the dough is combined.

    Pro Tip: Dip your hands in ice water when the kibbeh dough sticks to them.

    Bake the Stuffed Kibbeh

    Grease a large baking sheet with oil. Heat the oven to 400 ℉(205 ℃).

    smash the kibbeh mixture and lay flat on the oiled baking sheet

    For the bottom layer: grab a large chunk of the meat mixture and flatten it in between the palms of your hands.

    press the kibbeh mixture together

    Press the kibbeh meat mixture into the pan in a thin layer. Repeat. Press the sections together, forming a flat layer.

    layer the minced meat, pine nuts, and onion on the base kibbeh mixture

    For the middle layer: add the beef and pine nut mixture on top of the first layer.

    add the kibbeh meat mixture on top

    For the top layer: add a layer of kibbeh dough on top of the stuffing by pressing the kibbeh mixture in between your hands and laying it on top of the stuffing. Press the individual sections together with damp hands.

    baked kibbeh cut

    Make one small hole in the middle of the kibbeh tray with your index finger. Cut vertically and horizontally all the way through the three layers intersecting this hole.

    cut the kibbeh mixture and cover with oil

    Continue making shallow cuts vertically and horizontally about ¾" (2 cm) thick until the edge of the pan. Spread some oil on top of the kibbeh layer.

    baked kibbeh in a baking pan

    Bake the kibbeh at 400 ℉(205 ℃) for 40 minutes to 1 hour. The baking time depends on how thick the stuffed kibbeh is.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Freeze the kibbeh. Make this Lebanese kibbeh recipe in two smaller baking pans and freeze one of them for a future no-fuss meal. Just freeze the kibbeh unbaked and without the oil.
    • Add ice cubes while making the kibbeh mixture. Because the meat and bulgar wheat mixture are thick, the food processor heats up as it mixes. By adding ice cubes, we are able to cool the meat down.
    • Use fresh mint. I highly recommend using fresh mint in addition to dried mint.
    • Serve with cucumber yogurt (khyar bi laban) and pita bread.
    stuffed kibbeh with cucumber yogurt

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Use a smaller pan and make thicker stuffed kibbeh. I prefer making a thin-baked and stuffed kibbeh; however, this recipe also works for thicker kibbeh. Just use a smaller pan and don't press the kibbeh mixture too thin in between your hands.
    • Make a design with the indentations. If using a circular baking dish, it's easy to cut the kibbeh into a beautiful pattern, like the classic diamond shapes.
    • There are many popular ways to eat kibbeh. Here is the baked kibbeh version that's a single layer - baked kibbeh bil sanieh.
    • Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
    • Use minced lamb instead of minced beef.
    • There are many variations of kibbeh: potato kibbeh (vegetarian kibbeh), kibbeh nayyeh (raw kibbeh), fried kibbeh balls, kibbeh in yogurt (kibbeh labanieh), kibbeh bil sanieh (this version but with one layer), and quinoa kibbeh!

    Equipment

    • Food processor: This recipe needs a food processor (not a blender) to blend the ground meat and fine bulgar wheat together. Because the meat mixture is thick, a blender will not work.
    • Metal baking sheet: Use one large metal baking sheet (like a cookie sheet) that's 16" x 12" in size. Or, split this recipe into two smaller metal pans. Use a circular pan, square pan, or rectangular pan. I recommend using a metal pan or cast iron dish rather than a glass pan or ceramic pan.
    • Chef's knife and cutting board to prepare the onion.
    • Measuring spoons to measure out the spices.

    Storage

    Store the stuffed kibbeh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the stuffed kibbeh (unbaked and without oil) in the freezer for up to 4 months. When ready to bake, thaw at room temperature, spread some oil, and bake at 400 ℉(205 ℃) for 40 minutes to one hour.

    FAQs

    What does kibbeh taste like?

    Kibbeh is similar to meatballs in texture because of the blended bulgar wheat and ground meat. However, the flavor is different because of the warm Middle Eastern spices used like allspice, cinnamon, and seven spices.

    What is kibbeh made of?

    Kibbeh is a blend of onion, ground meat, fine bulgar wheat, dried mint, dried basil, seven spices, allspice, and cinnamon. It's made in different ways like fried stuffed kibbeh balls, kibbeh balls in yogurt, or raw kibbeh for example.

    What is the national dish of Lebanon?

    Kibbeh is the national dish of Lebanon, and it's served in many different ways.

    Kibbeh Recipes

    • close up view of kibbeh labanieh
      Kibbeh Labanieh (Kibbeh Balls In Yogurt)
    • potato kibbeh on a plate with olive oil
      Potato Kibbeh (Kibbet Batata)
    • fried kibbeh in a bowl
      Fried Kibbeh Balls
    • kibbeh nayeh Lebanese raw kibbeh appetizer
      Kibbeh Nayeh Recipe (Lebanese Raw Kibbeh)

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    📋 Recipe

    baked stuffed kibbeh cross section view in a tray

    Lebanese Baked Stuffed Kibbeh

    Author: Maguy
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Lebanese
    Prep: 30 minutes mins
    Cook: 1 hour hr
    Total: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate Email
    Servings 12
    This Lebanese baked stuffed kibbeh has pine nuts and minced meat sandwiched in between the top and bottom kibbeh layers, then tray-baked to perfection.

    Ingredients
     
    US Customary - Metric

    Kibbeh Mixture

    • 2.2 lbs ground beef 85% fat
    • 14 ounces fine bulgar wheat
    • 1 medium onion
    • 6 sprigs of fresh mint
    • 1.5 teaspoon allspice
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon Lebanese 7 spices
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 teaspoon salt or salt to taste
    • 2 teaspoon dry mint
    • 2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 2 tablespoons oil to rub on top of the kibbeh when assembled

    Kibbeh Stuffing

    • 14 ounces lean ground beef 93%
    • 1 medium onion diced
    • 3 tablespoon pine nuts
    • 2 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
    • 1 teaspoon allspice
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt or salt to taste
    • 1 teaspoon Lebanese 7 spices
    • 2 tablespoon canola oil
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions

    Make Kibbeh Stuffing

    • Fry the diced onions in oil on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
    • Once the onion softens, add the pine nuts. When the pine nuts start to change colors (about 2 minutes) add the ground meat breaking up the clumps as the meat browns.
    • When the meat is cooked through, add the salt, allspice, black pepper, seven spices, and butter (for taste). Turn off the heat, add the pomegranate molasses and stir. Set aside to cool while preparing the kibbeh mixture.

    Make Kibbeh Mixture

    • Rinse the bulgar wheat in water. Drain and let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
    • Using a food processor blend ⅓ of the kibbeh ground meat and ⅓ of the softened bulgar wheat with a few ice cubes until blended. Add to a large bowl. Repeat until all 3 batches are blended. Blend the fresh mint and onion. Add some of the ground meat back into the mint and onion mixture. Add the allspice, cinnamon, seven spices, black pepper, salt, dry mint, dry basil, and ice cubes. Blend until combined. Add the mixture to the large bowl with a couple of ice cubes.
    • Using your hands, knead the kibbeh mixture for a few minutes until combined. 

    Assemble the 3-Layer Kibbeh

    • Grease a metal cookie sheet or large round metal pan. Heat the oven to 400 ℉(205 ℃). Get a bowl with water and ice ready.
    • Wet your hands. Grab a chunk of the kibbeh mixture and press it in between your palms until flattened. Lay it on the baking sheet. Continue flattening the kibbeh mixture until ½ of the mixture is pressed into the pan in a thin layer. Dip your hands in water when the kibbeh starts sticking to your hands.
    • Using a slotted spoon, add the kibbeh stuffing evenly on top of the kibbeh mixture.
    • Make the top layer of the kibbeh mixture by pressing the kibbeh in between your palms. Lay on top of the stuffing layer. Continue adding flattened kibbeh pieces dipping your hands in water every so often. Connect the kibbeh pieces by pressing them together to form a smooth layer.
    • Once the kibbeh layers are finished, cut the kibbeh. Make a hole indentation in the middle. Cut all the way through the kibbeh horizontally and vertically once. Then make cuts (only going halfway down) vertically and horizontally in ¾" (2 cm) width sections. 
    • Spread a layer of oil on top of the kibbeh. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

    Equipment

    food processor.
    Food Processor
    mercer cutting knife.
    Chef's Knife
    acacia wood cutting board.
    Cutting Board
    baking sheets.
    Baking Sheet

    Notes

    1. Ice cubes are added to the blending and the hand kneading step in order to keep the kibbeh mixture cool. The mixture is very thick and heats up while it's blending.
    2. Bake the kibbeh directly in a greased metal pan.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 /12 | Calories: 400 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 27 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 75 mg | Sodium: 76 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 3 g

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.88 from 8 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tais

      July 24, 2024 at 4:47 pm

      Hi! How would you make this kibbeh vegetarian? Are there other ways to do it vegetarian without pumpkin or squash?

      Reply
      • Lily

        July 25, 2024 at 7:43 am

        Hi Tais- there’s a potato kibbeh recipe that’s vegetarian on the Matbakh, just search “potato kibbeh”. It’s not baked though, but equally delicious!

        Reply
    2. Joe A.

      June 20, 2023 at 3:53 am

      5 stars
      My previous comment said to heat 30 seconds in the microwave. This applies only to cold kibbe, right from the fridge. If the kibbe has just come out of the oven, assemble sandwich as follows : cut pita bread in a clam shell, cutting the edges all around, but leaving it attached at the "hinge".
      Apply mayonnaise, and spread evenly right to the edges. Add lettuce, red onion, sliced tomatoes, and finally the warm kibbe. and drizzle with Italian salad dressing. Wrap with all ingredients starting at the bottom edge of one top of the pita, and fold the sides as you roll, as you would a burrito. Continue rolling to the end of the pita, and cut in half with a bread knife. Serve with French fries or a nice teboulleh salad. Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Lily

        June 20, 2023 at 7:07 am

        Thanks for the comment Joe! Your kibbeh pita sandwich sounds yummy 😋

        Reply
        • Joseph A.

          June 20, 2023 at 10:41 am

          Thanks Lily, a friend from Lebanon who owned a small restaurant, used to make these! It was like my home away from home...

        • Lily

          June 20, 2023 at 11:44 am

          It's funny how food is more than food- it has a way of bringing up memories, comfort, and nostalgic feelings!

    3. Joseph A.

      June 20, 2023 at 3:29 am

      5 stars
      I make this recipe when I have a craving for delicious food with little fuss...Wrap a few slices in a pita bread (Syrian bread) with lettuce, tomato, red onion and Italian salad dressing, and you'll have the most delicious sandwich ever constructed! Heat 30 seconds in the microwave before assembling.

      Reply
    4. Ann

      February 19, 2022 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent kibbeh recipe. Made one pan for dinner and one pan for the freezer. Served it with you cucumber yogurt recipe and it was perfect.

      Reply
      • Lily

        February 19, 2022 at 3:36 pm

        Thanks for the comment Ann!

        Reply
    5. Moises Chame

      February 19, 2022 at 12:15 am

      4 stars
      Great recipe!
      I wouldn’t eat bread with Kibbeh, it’s already mostly cracked wheat.
      Real Lebanese pine nuts are extremely expensive. I have had this Kibbeh with chopped walnuts, which stand up very well to the aromatic spices.
      Traditionally, tiny pieces of lamb fat are placed over this Kibbeh, to melt during the baking phase. The result is a moist, pleasantly chewy Kibbeh.
      Tahini sauce is my favorite with this Kibbeh: Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt.

      Reply
      • Lily

        February 19, 2022 at 12:21 am

        Thank you so much for the comment and tips! Lamb fat sounds delicious, I will try it next time

        Reply

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    lily at the matbakh

    I'm Lily

    I'm an American Lebanese living in Texas. My kitchen, or matbakh, is a hodgepodge of recipes from the U.S. and Mediterranean region.

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