Beef Plov (Beef Rice Pilaf)

A flavorful Beef Plov recipe made with tender beef, aromatic spices, carrots, onions, and fluffy long-grain rice. This traditional beef rice pilaf is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. Easy to cook in one pot, it delivers rich taste and hearty texture with simple ingredients. Serve this classic beef pilaf with fresh salad, pickled vegetables, or warm bread for a comforting homemade meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs beef chuck, beef sirloin, or good-quality beef stew meat
• ⅓ cup canola oil or extra light olive oil (avoid extra virgin)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks or grated
• 1 tsp salt (for meat and vegetables)
• 1 ½ tsp salt (for rice)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3–4 bay leaves
• 1 ¾ cups hot water (for braising meat)
• 3 cups long-grain rice (Basmati or Jasmine recommended)
• 4 cups hot water (for rice)
• 1 whole head of garlic

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef
   • Trim excess fat and sinews from the beef.
   • Pat dry with paper towels, then cut into ½–¾-inch cubes.
2. Sear the Meat
   • Preheat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over high heat.
   • Add the oil, then the beef. Sauté uncovered for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
   • Tip: Make sure the pot is very hot before adding the meat to achieve a good sear without losing juices.
3. Cook the Vegetables
   • Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in carrots, 1 tsp salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and bay leaves. Cook another 5 minutes until carrots soften.
4. Braise the Beef
   • Add 1 ¾ cups hot water. Cover and simmer on medium-low for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
5. Prepare the Rice
   • While the beef cooks, rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
6. Cook the Rice with Beef
   • Spread rice evenly over the beef mixture.
   • Pour in 4 cups hot water and sprinkle 1 ½ tsp salt over the rice (do not stir).
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, until most of the water is absorbed.
7. Add Garlic and Spices
   • Cut the base off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place it cut-side down into the center of the rice.
   • Sprinkle ground coriander on top.
   • Poke 7–10 holes through the rice to allow steam to escape.
8. Finish Cooking
   • Cover the pot and cook on low heat for another 15 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked.
   • Remove garlic and bay leaves, then gently fluff and mix the rice with the beef.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• A classic comfort dish with rich flavors from slow-braised beef and aromatic spices.
• Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Tips

• Use well-marbled beef like chuck for the most tender results.
• Don’t skip rinsing the rice—it prevents stickiness and helps achieve fluffy grains.
• Always layer the rice on top of the meat and avoid stirring until the very end.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat: Substitute lamb for a more traditional Central Asian flavor.
• Spices: Add a pinch of turmeric or chili flakes for extra warmth.
• Rice: If Basmati or Jasmine is unavailable, use any long-grain rice (avoid short-grain as it becomes too sticky).
• Vegetables: Bell peppers or chickpeas can be added for more texture and flavor.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, plov reheats well. Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water.

Can I freeze beef plov?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?
Not necessarily, but a heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent burning.

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Serving

• Serve hot straight from the pot as the centerpiece of the table.
• Pair with fresh salads like cucumber-tomato salad or pickled vegetables.
• A side of yogurt or kefir balances the richness.

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Suggestions

• For presentation, place the whole garlic head on top before serving—it adds aroma and looks impressive.
• Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or dill.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with warm flatbread.