Beef Kafta Kebabs are a beloved staple of Middle Eastern cuisine — juicy, herb-filled ground beef skewers grilled to smoky perfection. Whether you’re firing up a charcoal grill or cooking indoors, this recipe is packed with fresh parsley, onion, garlic, and aromatic spices that turn simple ground beef into a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.
Whether served with warm pita, rice, hummus, or a fresh cucumber yogurt sauce, beef kafta is easy enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for entertaining.
📌 What is Kafta?
Kafta (or Kofta) is a type of spiced ground meat, commonly found in Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian, Egyptian, and broader Mediterranean cuisines. It’s typically made with ground beef, lamb, or a mix of both, combined with fresh herbs, onions, and spices. The meat is then shaped onto skewers or into patties and grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
🛒 Ingredients for Beef Kafta
Here’s what you’ll need to make traditional Lebanese-style beef kafta:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80–85% lean for juiciness)
- ½ medium onion, grated or finely minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ tsp cayenne or chili flakes (for heat)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint (for added freshness)
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
- Grill or grill pan (indoor or outdoor)
- Food processor (optional for a smoother blend)
🔥 How to Make Beef Kafta Kebabs
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely minced onion, chopped parsley, garlic, and all spices. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly incorporated. For the most authentic texture, avoid over-mixing, but make sure the ingredients are distributed evenly.
Tip: If you want a smoother consistency, pulse everything except the beef in a food processor before mixing.
Step 2: Shape the Kafta
Divide the mixture into 6–8 portions. Shape each into an oval sausage-like form, then mold onto skewers. If not using skewers, shape into patties or logs.
If the mixture feels too wet, chill it for 20 minutes to firm it up.
Step 3: Grill the Kebabs
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface, then grill the kebabs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through.
Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or pan-fry with a bit of oil.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
Pair your beef kafta kebabs with any of the following for a complete meal:
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Lebanese rice pilaf with vermicelli
- Garlic toum or tzatziki
- Hummus or baba ganoush
- Fattoush or tabbouleh salad
- Pickled vegetables
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked kafta for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking or reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
🧠 Tips for the Best Kafta
- Choose the right meat: 80–85% lean ground beef is ideal — juicy but not greasy.
- Finely mince everything: Onion and parsley should be finely chopped to blend well and help bind the meat.
- Chill before grilling: Helps keep the shape during cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers: If grilling, soak them for 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
🌀 Recipe Variations
- Beef & Lamb Mix: Use half beef, half lamb for richer flavor.
- Kafta Burgers: Form into patties and serve on buns with garlic sauce and pickled turnips.
- Spicy Kafta: Add harissa, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the meat.
- Kafta Meatballs: Roll into balls and bake or simmer in tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts
Beef Kafta Kebabs are the perfect blend of earthy spices, juicy meat, and fresh herbs — proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something delicious and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking over flames or indoors, this dish brings the heart of the Middle East to your kitchen.
So next time you’re looking for a quick yet impressive meal, give this kafta recipe a try — and don’t forget the garlic sauce and warm pita for the full experience.
