Lebanese Potato Souffle

5 from 30 votes

Lebanese Potato Souffle is the ultimate comfort food with whipped mashed potatoes, spiced beef filling, and crispy breadcrumbs on top!

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This Lebanese Potato Souffle, known in Arabic as Batata Soufflé, is a nostalgic recipe that holds a special place in my heart as it’s a dish I grew up eating. It’s basically a Lebanese version of Shepard’s pie made with layers of creamy mashed potatoes and a spiced ground beef filling, making it a true comfort food.

A serving of potato souffle on a small plate to show a top and bottom layer and spiced beef layer in the middle. Baking dish nearby.
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Lebanese Potato Souffle offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, but it’s also a versatile dish that suits any occasion. Whether you’re planning a quiet family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this dish will surely impress. This potato and beef recipe perfectly portrays Lebanese cuisine – comforting, delicious, and adaptable.

Why you’ll love this Lebanese Potato Souffle recipe

  • It’s an authentic Lebanese recipe without hard-to-find ingredients. You can easily find all the ingredients for this recipe at your local grocery store. Just grab a bottle of 7-spice or make your own with my homemade recipe.
  • Easy to customize. The savory filling of this dish is highly adaptable to meet your taste preferences. You can substitute the meat for a vegetarian alternative, customize the spices, add more veggies, or even top it with cheese for extra flavor.
  • The ultimate comfort food. This potato souffle with meat perfectly captures the mouthwatering flavors of Lebanese cuisine. The spice blend in the ground beef filling is so unique with warming spices it’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients to make batata souffle with meat

  • Potatoes: Peel the potatoes for a smoother consistency. I like to use Yukon gold because they are buttery and have great flavor, but any potatoes will do. 
  • Milk and butter: Used for the mashed potatoes. 
  • Ground beef: Using lean ground beef with lower fat content results in a meat filling that maintains its shape and texture without becoming too greasy.
  • Mushrooms: This is not very common to be included in Lebanese batata soufflé, but my mom always added them growing up because the moisture from the mushrooms keeps the mashed potato layers from getting too dry.
  • Breadcrumbs: Add a nice crunch on top. You can make your own breadcrumbs with this easy recipe.
  • Seasonings: You’ll need 7 spice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Ingredients for recipe in individual bowls: 7 spice and salt, butter, potatoes, ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, seasonings, and button mushrooms.

How to make Lebanese ground beef and potatoes

This recipe is a breeze to make with just a few simple steps – mash potatoes, cook spiced ground beef, layer in a baking dish, and bake until golden breadcrumbs form a crispy top.

Cook potatoes and beef

  1. Boil the potatoes until fork tender, drain, and return to the pot with milk, butter, and seasonings. 
  2. Mash them while still hot until smooth and creamy.
  3. Cook the onions until soft and translucent. They should have a nice caramelization to them. 
  4. Add the ground beef and mushrooms to the skillet.
  5. Break down any large chunks until the beef is brown and cooked through.
  6. Season with 7 spice and salt.
6 image collage preparing fillings: cooked potato chunks in a pot with milk, butter, and seasonings added before mashing, 2- after mashing, 3- diced onions cooked in a large skillet, 4- ground beef and mushrooms added, 5- breaking mostly cooked beef into crumbles, 6- beef and mushroom mixture after fulling cooked tossed with 7 spice.

Layering the casserole

  1. Spread half of the mashed potatoes onto the base of the prepared dish.
  2. Add the beef filling in an even layer on top.
  3. Then add the remaining mashed potatoes on top, being careful not to get the beef filling into the mashed potatoes to create even layers. Finish off with breadcrumbs sprinkled evenly on top.
  4. Bake uncovered until the potatoes are set, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
4 image collage adding recipe to baking dish: 1- mashed potatoes added, 2- spiced beef mixture added, 3- remaining mashed potatoes added with breadcrumbs on top, 4- after baking with golden brown top.

Tips for making the best Lebanese souffle recipe with meat

  1. Use a stand mixer to whip the potatoes. My mom would always whip the mashed potatoes in a stand mixer or food processor to get that authentic souffle texture. It incorporates more air into the mashed potatoes and makes them more fluffy.
  2. Prepare your baking dish. To prevent the souffle from sticking, grease the dish with butter or oil before assembling the layers. 
  3. Don’t cut it right away. Allow the souffle to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and hold its shape.
  4. Make it ahead of time. You can assemble your Batata Souffle a day or two beforehand and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to take the chill off, and add the breadcrumbs right before baking. 
  • Add parmesan cheese on top. While my mom’s traditional recipe for Lebanese potato souffle was topped with only breadcrumbs, I think a layer of melted cheese on top would perfectly complement the creamy mashed potatoes and spiced meat filling.
  • Incorporate more vegetables in the filling. To make it more like a traditional shepherd’s pie, you could add peas, carrots, or even spinach to the filling for more texture and nutrition.
  • Adjust the spice. The 7 spice makes this recipe unique and delicious, but you can switch up the spices if you can’t find any. Choose your favorite warm spice blend to match the flavor of this spice, or make your own.
  • Make it vegetarian. Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, lentils, or a vegetarian meat substitute such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.
  • Use different ground meat. Try this potato souffle with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb. 
Lebanese potato souffle in a casserole dish with a square serving being removed with a spatula, garnished with fresh parsley.

What to serve with your potato and meat souffle

How to store & reheat Batata Soufflé

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to store the leftovers. 

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, remove the wrap or foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

How long will a beef and potato bake last in the fridge?

You can store leftovers for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this whipped potato and ground beef dish?

Yes, you can freeze Lebanese ground beef and potato souffle for longer storage, making for a delicious freezer meal. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container. 

When ready to reheat, thaw the souffle in the refrigerator overnight and bake it in the oven until heated. Note that freezing and reheating the souffle may alter its texture slightly, but it should still be delicious.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of spice blend if I can’t find 7-spice?

Yes, you can use a different type of spice blend if you can’t find 7-spice. While 7-spice is a common Lebanese spice blend, you can substitute it with a blend of your choice. Just make sure that the spices you use complement the dish’s flavors and are not overpowering. Some good options for a substitute include a blend of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, and paprika or a blend of cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to make a sweet potato souffle. However, keep in mind that sweet potatoes have a slightly different texture and taste than regular potatoes, so it may affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish. 

Can I skip the mushrooms?

Yes, you can skip using mushrooms in the spiced ground beef filling. The mushrooms add a layer of flavor and texture and are a traditional family addition, but the recipe will still turn out well without them. You can consider adding other vegetables of your choice to the filling 

Potato and beef bake in a baking dish with a square serving removed, golden brown breadcrumb, and garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Lebanese Potato Souffle, or Batata Soufflé, is a beloved family favorite and a versatile, comforting, filling dish. With simple, easy-to-find ingredients and a customizable filling, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a gathering with friends. Try this recipe and enjoy the taste of Lebanese cuisine in the comfort of your home – it’s so good!

More Lebanese recipes:

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Lebanese Potato Souffle

Lebanese Potato Souffle is the ultimate comfort food with whipped mashed potatoes, spiced beef filling, and crispy breadcrumbs on top!
5 from 30 votes
Servings 8 servings
Course Entree
Calories 287
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the mashed potatoes

  • 2 pounds yukon yellow potatoes peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the ground beef filling

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 pound 95% lean ground beef
  • 8 ounces mushrooms diced
  • 1 tablespoon 7 Spice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For assembly and topping

Instructions

  • Place the potatoes and 1 teaspoon salt in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then return to the pot.
  • Add the milk, butter, garlic powder, remaining salt and pepper and use a potato masher to mash.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the onions until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the beef and mushrooms and cook, breaking down any large chunks until the beef is browned, 8-10 minutes. Season with 7 Spice and salt.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.
  • Spread half of the mashed potatoes onto the base of the prepared dish. Add the beef filling in an even layer on top. Then add the remaining mashed potatoes on top, being careful not to not to get the beef filling into the mashed potatoes in order to create even layers.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the mashed potato layer and spray evenly with the cooking spray. Bake uncovered until the potatoes are set and the breadcrumbs are golden brown for about, 30-35 minutes.
  • Allow it to cool for 10 minutes to let the layers set, and then cut into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

Storage: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Freeze up to 3 months. 
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, remove the wrap or foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
Make it vegetarian. Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, lentils, or a vegetarian meat substitute such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Use different ground meat. Try this potato souffle with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb. 

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 52mg, Sodium: 868mg, Potassium: 880mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 500IU, Vitamin C: 23mg, Calcium: 59mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine Lebanese
Course: Entree

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Comments

  1. SO GOOD omggggg

    You cant go wrong w meat and potatoes lol but the seasonings here really bring it together! So good

  2. I have had a recipe for this for years, but it had a smaller amount of cinnamon in place of the 7 spice and also pine nuts or almonds in the meat mixture. I made your recipe with more onions and beef and no mushrooms this time. I use all melted butter instead of olive oil spray. I also coat the butter on the bottom and sides of the pan with regular bread crumbs before adding the potatoes. An easy way to do the mashed potatoes is by cooling or chilling them first, making big patties of them, and laying them in the pan with just a bit of spreading- same on top. I had a bunch of leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving and used them, and it was great. Your Lebanese Malfouf Salad was the perfect accompaniment! My family loved it, including my Syrian father-in-law. Thanks so much for your recipes and all of your tips.

  3. I made this today!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So delicious!

    I’m vegan, so I used Impossible grounds, vegan butter, and oat milk. I had two helpings!!

    I also made up a batch of Lebanese 7 Spice. Thank you, Yumna!

  4. I see that I can omit mushrooms and add a different vegetable. Any suggestions on a vegetable that you think will go well here?

    1. You can add in carrots, eggplant, zucchini, or whatever you have on hand. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it, Reem!

  5. This is delicious! Any tips on spreading the top layer of mashed potatoes? That was the hardest part for me.