Pilaf with Ground Meat

Name: Pilaf with Ground Meat
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 350 g Ground meat

Fluffy, hearty, simple, and quick - perfect for lunch or dinner! Pilaf with ground meat cooks faster than traditional meat pilaf since ground meat doesn’t require long frying. Yet it's just as satisfying and will easily feed the whole family.

4.3

(15)

Updated : 01 August, 2025

Easy

More than 1 hour.

Ingredients

350 grams

Ground meat

200 grams

Rice

1

Bell pepper

1

Onion

1

Carrot

50 grams

Garlic

5 grams

Parsley

3 tablespoon

Vegetable oil

to taste

Ground black pepper

to taste

Salt

Table

Table of volume measurements:

teaspoon - 5 ml
dessert spoon - 10 ml
tablespoon - 20 ml
glass - 200 ml

Preparation

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Step 1

You can use any ground meat - mixed pork and beef works well, or just one type. I use pork-beef mix with a bit of fat. You can also make your own ground meat by grinding whole cuts. Rinse the whole head of garlic thoroughly and peel the outer skin if needed.

Step 2

Rinse the rice with clean water and soak it for 1 hour. Then rinse again until the water runs clear. Soaking helps prevent overcooking. Use pilaf-specific or parboiled rice. I used golden parboiled rice.

Step 3

Clean the bell pepper from seeds and stems, and cut it into thin strips or small sticks.

Step 4

Peel the carrot and cut into small matchsticks.

Step 5

Peel the onion and slice into half-rings.

Step 6

Wash the parsley, dry, and chop finely. You can optionally add or substitute other herbs like dill, cilantro, green onions, or a mix.

Step 7

In a deep skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Add onion and carrot. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring. You can also use a cauldron or heavy-bottomed pot.

Step 8

Add bell pepper and ground meat. Fry for about 10 minutes, breaking up clumps, until the meat is halfway cooked.

Step 9

Add the rinsed rice and mix well. Fry everything together for 5 more minutes.

Step 10

Pour in hot water to cover all ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the spices as you like. Insert the whole head of garlic into the pilaf.

Step 11

Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 12

Remove from heat and let the pilaf rest under the lid for 10-15 minutes. Any leftover liquid will absorb into the rice.

Step 13

Serve the pilaf sprinkled with chopped herbs. Enjoy your meal!