Preheat oven to 350F.
Cut beef into very small pieces, about 1/4".
Heat the canola oil in a pan, add the beef and chopped onion and cook for about 25 minutes.
Season the beef mixture to taste with salt and pepper then add the saffron.
Cook the lentils in boiling water for about 10 minutes, drain.
Cook the Basmati rice for about 20 minutes, drain.
Combine the rice, lentils, and raisins together, add the beef and onion mixture then stir gently to combine.
Place the rice mixture in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake in oven for 1 hour.