---
title: "NYC Halal Cart Style Beef & Lamb Rice Bowls"
section: recipes
description: "Classic beef & lamb with yellow rice recipe featuring homemade white sauce."
tags: ["rice", "beef", "lime", "meat", "middle-eastern", "street-food", "bowls"]
created: 2025-03-31T10:30:00Z
updated: 2026-07-29T21:06:22Z
cid: bafkreid37kdj3be55usv6mvkg3zmbu2ui2m5e4hbqhsdkebixhhrnthn7q
html: https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1743442208161-nyc-halal-cart-style-beef-lamb-rice-bowls
---

# NYC Halal Cart Style Beef & Lamb Rice Bowls

```recipe
yield: "2 servings"
time: "35 min active · 1 h 30 total"

ingredients:
  - { id: yellow-onion, item: "yellow onion", amount: "½", note: "cut into chunks", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: ground-beef, item: "ground beef", amount: "½ lb", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: ground-lamb, item: "ground lamb", amount: "½ lb", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: cumin, item: "cumin", amount: "½ tsp", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: basmati-rice, item: "Basmati rice", amount: "1 cup", note: "washed", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: ghee-or-butter, item: "ghee or butter", amount: "1 tbsp", note: "unsalted", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: turmeric, item: "turmeric", amount: "¼ tsp", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: cumin-2, item: "cumin", amount: "¼ tsp", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: water-or-broth, item: "water or broth", amount: "1½ cups", note: "chicken broth preferred", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: bay-leaves, item: "bay leaves", amount: "1", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: salt, item: "salt", amount: "½ tbsp", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: salt-2, item: "salt", amount: "½ tsp", note: "or to taste", group: "Yellow Rice" }
  - { id: mayonnaise, item: "mayonnaise", amount: "¼ cup", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: yogurt, item: "yogurt", amount: "¼ cup", note: "plain", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: lemon-juice, item: "lemon juice", amount: "from ½ lemon", note: "freshly squeezed", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: white-vinegar, item: "white vinegar", amount: "½ tbsp", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: sugar, item: "sugar", amount: "½ tbsp", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: fresh-parsley, item: "fresh parsley", amount: "½ tbsp", note: "finely minced", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: salt-3, item: "salt", amount: "to taste", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: black-pepper, item: "black pepper", amount: "to taste", note: "freshly ground", group: "White Sauce" }
  - { id: garlic-cloves, item: "garlic cloves", amount: "2–3", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: oregano, item: "oregano", amount: "1 tbsp", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: smoked-paprika, item: "smoked paprika", amount: "1 tsp", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }
  - { id: coriander, item: "coriander", amount: "½ tsp", group: "Beef & Lamb Meat" }

steps:
  - id: s1
    prep: true
    do: "preheat oven to 400°F"
    detail: "Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C)."
    phase: "To make the Beef & Lamb"
  - id: s2
    in: [yellow-onion, ground-beef, ground-lamb, garlic-cloves, oregano, smoked-paprika, coriander]
    do: "blend onion and garlic"
    detail: "In a food processor, blend onion and garlic until finely chopped. Add ground beef, ground lamb, and all the seasonings. Blend until fully incorporated, scraping down sides as needed. Transfer meat mixture to a parchment-lined baking dish, pressing it into an even layer about 1 1/2 inches thick."
    phase: "To make the Beef & Lamb"
  - id: s3
    in: [s2]
    do: "bake for 35 minutes"
    for: "35 min"
    detail: "Bake for 35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool slightly, then slice and dice the meat. In a hot skillet, sear the diced meat with a bit of the pan drippings until browned and crispy on the edges."
    phase: "To make the Beef & Lamb"
  - id: s4
    in: [s3, ghee-or-butter, cumin, turmeric, cumin-2, basmati-rice]
    do: "melt ghee or butter"
    for: "2–3 min"
    detail: "In a medium pan over medium heat, melt ghee or butter. Add turmeric and cumin, sautéing for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices. Stir in the washed rice, toasting it for another 2–3 minutes until slightly nutty."
    phase: "To make the Yellow Rice"
  - id: s5
    in: [s4, water-or-broth, bay-leaves]
    do: "add water or chicken"
    for: "15–18 min"
    detail: "Add water or chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Alternatively, transfer everything to a rice cooker and cook according to its settings."
    phase: "To make the Yellow Rice"
  - id: s6
    in: [s5, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon-juice, white-vinegar, sugar, salt, salt-2, fresh-parsley, salt-3, black-pepper]
    do: "whisk together"
    detail: "In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Stir in minced parsley, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve."
    phase: "To make the White Sauce"
  - id: s7
    in: [s6]
    do: "spoon yellow rice"
    detail: "Spoon yellow rice into bowls. Top with seared beef and lamb. Drizzle generously with white sauce."
    phase: "To assemble"
  - id: s8
    in: [s7]
    do: "serve with chopped"
    detail: "Optional: Serve with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, or hot sauce for the full street cart experience."
    phase: "To assemble"
```

---

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