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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Spiced Beef, Bulgur and Tomato Pilaf

4 to 6 Servings

40 minutes 20 minutes active

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Bulgur, made by cracking, cooking then drying whole-grain wheat, stars in this Middle Eastern-style pilaf. To bring out the grains’ nutty taste, we first toast them in a dry pan. Then we brown tomato paste with onion, which boosts the umami and sweetness and builds layers of flavor. This is especially delicious topped with Greek yogurt seasoned with grated garlic, chopped fresh mint or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Be sure to use coarse bulgur here, rather than finely ground; the hearty texture of coarse bulgur holds up well when cooked for a pilaf.

4 to 6

Servings

40 minutes

20 minutes active

Ingredients

  • 8

    ounces 80 percent lean ground beef OR ground lamb

  • 2

    medium garlic cloves, minced

Directions

Reviews
DENISE C.
August 10, 2026
Great dish
The flavours remind me of an Armenian dish I’ve made before (meatballs made with coarse bulgur and simmered in broth)), but it’s much easier. Served with yogurt, pickles and hot sauce, this is a nice and hearty meal.
Sona E.
January 2, 2024
Delicious!
Simple to make but very flavorful, expecially with the yogurt (with minced garlic). I needed to add a lot more than 1 cup water in order to cook the bulghur. Don't know if it's because I used medium instead of coarse bulghur. Otherwise, it's a delicious, simple meal.
Amy G.
February 12, 2024
Wonderful, but needed some ... umph
The recipe was easy and very tasty. However, I felt it lacked a little punch. But that's ok, because it was still great!
Craig B.
April 29, 2025
Needs something
I doubled the cumin, paprika and garlic after reading another review but this still tasted like a very bland, chewy chili. I didn't have anything to top with other than a squeeze of lemon, maybe some yogurt would have helped? But don't think I will try again
Yvonne V.
November 12, 2023
Tasty but dry
Very delicious. But needed more moisture. Next time I'll reduce the tomato paste and add fresh tomatoes.

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