Authentic Syrian Rice with Meat Recipe

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

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 cups Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup pine nuts (toasted, for garnish)
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Sauté the Meat

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they are translucent.

    Make sure not to burn the garlic.
  2. Cook the Meat

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

    Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add Spices

    Stir in cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the spices with the meat.

    Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  4. Combine Rice and Water

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

    Ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
  5. Cook the Rice

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

    Do not lift the lid while cooking.
  6. Fluff and Serve

    Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley before serving.

    Serve warm for best flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use quality spices for the best flavor. Soak the rice to ensure it cooks evenly. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

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 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, but cooking time and water ratio will change; brown rice takes longer to cook.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates50gg
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