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5.0 from 24 votes

Baked Kibbeh (Kibe Assado Recheado)

Baked Kibbeh is a ground lamb-bulgur wheat pie filled with lots of cheese. It is a complete dish that can be served with a fresh salad.

Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 684 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • For the Kibbeh:
  • 1½ cups fine bulgur
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 3 tablespoons oilve oil divided (plus 1-2 tablespoons to drizzle)
  • 1 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 28 ounces ground lamb 800 g
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup chopped fresh green onions
  • For the filling:
  • 10.5 ounces store-bought or homemade requeijão cremoso (300g) see this link (or 8oz softened cream cheese whipped with 4 ounces full fat ricotta cheese)
  • 10.5 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese 300 g
  • For Garnishing : optional
  • mint leaves
  • pomegranate seeds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To prepare the kibbeh: Soak the bulgur wheat in boiling water for about 30 minutes. Drain well, pressing to eliminate excess water. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When butter melts, add onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. The goal is cook the onions not brown them. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Don't let brown. Mix with the reserved, drained bulghur wheat.
  3. Using the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat and cook ground lamb for about 4-6 minutes or just until brown. Stir in the tomato paste until combined. Mix with the bulgur mixture, add salt, pepper, cumin, mint, and green onions. Stir very well to combine and let cool enough to handle.
  4. Preheat oven to 350° F (about 180°C). Grease a medium, deep baking dish (about 10x9-inch) with oil or butter.
  5. Spoon half of the kibbeh mixture onto the baking dish, then flatten to form an uniform layer. Make sure there are no gaps. Spoon and then gently spread the requeijão or cream cheese mixture on top, and subsequently layer the mozzarella cheese. Next, top the filling with the rest of the kibbeh mixture using the same technique.
  6. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and slice in desired pattern using a sharp knife. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with mints leaves and pomegranate seeds if desired. Serve warm, accompanied by a fresh salad.

Notes

  • MAKE AHEAD: you can make this baked kibbeh recipe one day ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving. 
  • STORE baked kibbeh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 3-6 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat well before eating. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 684kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 51g (78%) Saturated Fat 24g (120%) Cholesterol 147mg (49%) Sodium 1013mg (42%) Potassium 498mg (14%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1000IU (20%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 274mg (27%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 684

% Daily Value*

Calories 684kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 51g 78%
Saturated Fat 24g 120%
Cholesterol 147mg 49%
Sodium 1013mg 42%
Potassium 498mg 11%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1000IU 20%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 274mg 27%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.