Spiced beef mince pilaf

Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf is a fragrant dish featuring basmati rice, seasoned ground beef, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe balances rich flavours with aromatic spices and fresh herbs.

18 Dec 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
2 cups basmati rice
1/3 cup dried apricots
10 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup spearmint
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup pistachio nuts

Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with well-seasoned ground beef and a mix of dried fruits and nuts. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is rich in flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Chop the dried apricots, fresh spearmint, and fresh parsley.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, then set aside.
- Chop the pistachio nuts.

2. Cook the Onions:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Spices and Rice:
- Add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried coriander to the pot.
- Stir well to coat the onions with the spices.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to combine the rice with the spices and onion.

4. Add Liquids and Apricots:
- Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the chopped dried apricots.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.

5. Cook the Beef:
- While the rice is cooking, in a separate pan, cook 10 oz ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
- Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces.
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the beef.

6. Combine Ingredients:
- Once the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed, remove the pot from heat.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the pot with the rice.
- Add 1 tsp salt and stir well to combine all ingredients.

7. Stir in Nuts and Herbs:
- Gently fold in the toasted pine nuts and chopped pistachio nuts.
- Add the chopped spearmint and parsley, and stir until evenly distributed.

8. Serve:
- Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot before serving.
- Serve the spiced beef mince pilaf hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs and nuts if desired.

This Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, with a wonderful variety of textures from the nuts and dried fruits. It's an impressive yet straightforward dish that can become a staple in your home-cooked meal repertoire.

Spiced beef mince pilaf FAQ:

What is the cooking time for the rice in this recipe?

The basmati rice should be simmered for 15 minutes after bringing the water to a boil. Make sure to keep the pot covered during this time for proper cooking.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. However, cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before combining it with the rice.

How should I store leftovers of the Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to help moisten the rice.

What type of pan should I use to cook the pilaf?

Use a large pot or deep skillet to ensure there's enough space for the rice to expand as it cooks. A non-stick pot is recommended to prevent sticking.

What can I use in place of dried apricots?

If you don't have dried apricots, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or figs. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

Tips:

- Toast the pine nuts and pistachio nuts gently in a dry pan until they are golden for an added depth of flavor.

- For an extra layer of aroma, consider adding a clove or a couple of cardamom pods along with the cinnamon stick.

- Soak the basmati rice in water for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and results in long, fluffy grains.

- Ensure the dried apricots are chopped into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the pilaf.

- Use fresh herbs if possible – they provide a burst of freshness that dried herbs can't quite replicate.

- Let the pilaf rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and for any excess moisture to be absorbed.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 570kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 11g
Fat 36g

Spiced beef mince pilaf