Loobia Polo (Persian Beef and Green Bean Rice)

Loobia Polo is one of those Persian dishes that feels like a full meal in every bite. It’s made with fluffy basmati rice, tender green beans, beef, tomato paste, warm spices, saffron, and of course, a crispy golden tahdig at the bottom.

A beautifully presented dish of Loobia Polo on a blue floral-patterned plate, garnished with a radish and a spring onion.

This is one of my kids’ favorite Persian dishes because it’s flavorful, filling, and easy to serve for the whole family. The green beans cook into a savory tomato meat mixture, then get layered with parboiled rice and steamed until everything comes together beautifully. It’s simple, comforting, and always hits the spot.

There are different ways to make Loobia Polo depending on the family, but this version keeps it classic with ground beef, turmeric, cinnamon, tomato paste, and saffron water. The best part is when you flip or scoop out the tahdig and get those crispy rice pieces on the side.

What Is Loobia Polo?

Close up of the dish Loobia Polo on a blue floral-patterned plate.

Loobia Polo is a traditional Persian rice dish made with green beans, rice, and meat. “Loobia” means green beans and “polo” refers to rice that is typically parboiled, layered with other ingredients, and steamed.

The tomato-based meat and green bean mixture gives the rice its rich color and flavor, while the saffron and butter add that classic Persian aroma. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better when served with yogurt, salad Shirazi, or fresh herbs on the side.

Loobia Polo Ingredients

For the Rice

• 3 cups basmati rice

• Salt, for boiling the rice

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1/4 cup saffron water

• 4 tablespoons of butter

For the Meat and Green Bean Mixture

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 pound beef, ground beef or stew meat

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into small pieces

• 1/2 cup water

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Parboil rice: Rinse the basmati rice a few times until the water runs mostly clear. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rice and cook for about 7-8 minutes, just until parboiled. The rice should be soft on the outside but still firm in the center. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add the beef to the skillet, cook down and season with turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped green beans and stir everything together.

4. Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a few minutes so the flavor deepens. Add 1/2 cup of water, stir, and let the mixture simmer until the green beans begin to soften and the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat.

5. In a large pot, add avocado oil to the bottom. Begin layering by adding a layer of parboiled rice, followed by a layer of the meat and green bean mixture. Repeat until all the rice and filling are used, finishing with rice on top.

6. Drizzle saffron water over the rice and add small cubes of butter on top. Place a paper towel or clean kitchen towel over the pot, then cover with the lid. Steam on low heat for about 1 hour, allowing the rice to fully cook and the tahdig to become crispy.

7. When ready, gently fluff the rice and transfer it to a serving dish. Carefully remove the crispy tahdig from the bottom of the pot using a spatula. Serve it whole or break it into pieces around the rice.

Serving Suggestions

Loobia Polo is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with plain yogurt, salad Shirazi, fresh herbs, or torshi. The tanginess from yogurt or pickled vegetables balances the richness of the rice and meat so well.

Final Thoughts

Loobia Polo is a classic Persian comfort dish that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and full of flavor. Between the tomato-spiced beef, tender green beans, saffron rice, and crispy tahdig, it’s one of those recipes that always feels special without being complicated.