Cookgirl's Kibbe Meatloaf

Experience a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food with *Cookgirl's Kibbe Meatloaf*, a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines tradition with convenience. This recipe elevates meatloaf by blending ground beef or lamb with fine bulgur wheat, aromatic spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cumin, and fresh herbs such as parsley and mint for a vibrant, herbaceous touch. A tangy tomato paste glaze adds depth and richness, while optional toasted pine nuts offer a delightful crunch. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile meatloaf pairs beautifully with tahini sauce, a refreshing cucumber salad, or fluffy rice pilaf, making it an ideal centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a flavorful meal prep option. Perfect for fans of bold, wholesome flavors, this kibbe-inspired creation will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fine bulgur wheat
• 1 cup Boiling water
• 1.5 pounds Ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
• 1 medium Onion, finely grated
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 0.25 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard loaf pan with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2

Place the bulgur wheat in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over it, cover, and let it sit for 10 minutes to soften.

Step 3

Once the bulgur has absorbed the water and softened, fluff it with a fork. Drain any excess water, if needed.

Step 4

To the bowl with the bulgur, add the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, salt, black pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spatula until evenly combined.

Step 5

If using pine nuts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Toast the pine nuts for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until golden. Let them cool slightly, then gently knead them into the meat mixture.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing down gently to level it out.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf as a glaze.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 9

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds its shape.

Step 10

Slice and serve warm. Pair with a side of tahini sauce, a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or fluffy rice pilaf for a wholesome meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1451.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2953.8

Total Fat 187.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 476.3mg	0%
Sodium 4140.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 184.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.1g	0%
Total Sugars 11.7g
Protein 156.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 400.0mg	0%
Iron 31.8mg	0%
Potassium 3858.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 24.2%