Authentic Syrian Rice with Meat Recipe - Easy and Delicious

Authentic Syrian Miscellaneous recipe — Syrian Rice with Meat. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Syrian Rice with Meat Recipe - Easy and Delicious

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 cups long-grain rice (rinsed)
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)
  • 1 cup pine nuts (toasted, for garnish)
  • 1 cup parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chopped onion, and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

    Ensure the garlic does not burn to avoid bitterness.
  2. Cook the Meat

    Add the ground beef or lamb to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked.

    Drain excess fat if necessary for a leaner dish.
  3. Season the Mixture

    Stir in cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

    Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add Rice and Liquid

    Add rinsed rice to the pot, followed by water or broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

    Use broth for a richer flavor.
  5. Cook the Rice

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

    Do not lift the lid during cooking to retain steam.
  6. Fluff and Serve

    Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

    Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Always rinse the rice to remove excess starch. Adjust the spices according to your taste. Let the dish rest after cooking for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your international meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Syrian Rice with Meat Recipe - Easy and Delicious is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chicken or turkey can also be used instead of beef or lamb.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories400kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber2gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein25gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategoryRice Dishes