Name: Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 60
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 16-oz jar grape leaves in brine (about 60 to 70 leaves); 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup short grain white rice- Soaked for 15 minutes and drained.; 1 teaspoon all spice; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 large tomatoes- cut into pieces.; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves are filled with a mixture of ground beef, fresh tomato and rice, then rolled and cooked to perfection. A classic Lebanese dish that’s comfort food at its finest!

Grape Leaves- Warak Enab

I love to prepare stuffed veggies such as stuffed cabbage rolls, stuffed zucchini and these fabulously delicious Lebanese stuffed grape leaves. Everyone will be asking for seconds when these stuffed grape leaves are on the dinner table!

What are Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves- Warak Enab?

Lebanese Stuffed Grape leaves, also known as Warak Enab in Arabic are grape vine leaves stuffed with a spiced beef and rice mixture. Every culture cooks stuffed grape leaves differently as it is also a very popular dish in Turkey- called Dolma and Greece- called Dolmades. I’ve tried so many different grape leaves recipes, and have yet to meet a recipe that I didn’t love, but this is the recipe I grew up with and love most.

Grape leaves stuffed Lebanese- Warak enab recipe.

What you Need to Make Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves:

Grape Leaves: I Like to use fresh grape leaves, but when not in season, I use jarred grape leave. Orlando brand is my favorite, can be found at Middle Eastern Stores.

Fresh tomatoes: Blended on the food processor. Short grain rice: Soaked and drained.

Lean ground beef: I like more lean beef, but either will work. Spices: All spice, black pepper and cinnamon.

Butter: Softened.

How to Make Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves:

Start by making the stuffing:

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the stuffing ingredients of rice, ground beef, butter, fresh blended tomatoes, spices and salt until fully combined (I do this by hand). Set aside.

Prepare the grape leaves for stuffing:

Soak and rinse the jarred grape leaves with fresh water to get rid of any preservatives.
Spread out your grape leaves on tray with rough side facing upwards, remove their small stems and get ready to roll!

Roll and cook the grape leaves:

Line the bottom of a large pot with potatoes and season with salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Work with one grape leaf at a time, by scooping out one heaping tablespoon of the mixture to the center of the grape leaf; leaving 1 cm gap on each side.

Fold both short edges first, 1/3rd of the way.

Then roll the long edge from the top through the end of the leaf. A good grape leaf roll needs to be tight so that it doesn’t break apart during cooking.

Place each rolled grape leaf in the bottom of the prepared pot, over the potatoes and arrange tightly side by side. Repeat the rolling process for the rest of the mixture and place in the pot, you will form a few layers of stuffed grape leaves in the pot.
Add about 5 cups of warm water, just enough to cover the grape leaves, then cover the pot and cook over medium high heat. Bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
Serve with yogurt and enjoy!

Tips for Making this Beef Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe:

Soak The Rice in Water Before Using in the Stuffing. It’s important to rinse the rice well to get rid of excess starch, this will help the rice in your grape leaves, cook evenly.
Do NOT Over Stuff the Grape Leaves! Don’t over-stuff the grape leaves, the rice and it will expand as it cooks.
Roll tightly BUT allow for room for expansion. Roll the grape leaves tightly enough, so that they don’t unravel or become undone while cooking, but again remember rice will expand as it cooks so don’t fold too tightly or the rice won’t cook properly.

Can you Make Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves Vegetarian?

YES! Vegetarian stuffed grape leaves is another favorite Lebanese dish, the stuffing is made with parsley, mint, onion, tomato and rice. You can find the full recipe here.

Where to Find Grape Leaves

You can find grape leaves at your local Middle Eastern or Mediterranean stores, the vine leaves come brined in a jar. My favorite is “Orlando” grape leave jar. And you can buy it here on Amazon.

Can I use Fresh Grape Leaves to make Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe?

The best way to make warak enab (grape leaf wrap), is when use fresh vine leaves. To use them in this recipe, first be sure to wash them well, then blanch them in boiling hot water. Remove from water using a slotted spoon and place them in a colander to fully cool and drain. From there, you can use them as indicated in the recipe.