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Overhead shot of a large white oval platter with lebanese vermicelli rice, kaftas, and grilled tomatoes.
5 from 7 votes

Beef Kafta

Easy Authentic Lebanese Beef Kafta made with ground beef, parsley, onion, and simple spices. Perfect for grilling or baking in the oven.
Author Diana
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds (650g) ground beef I use 85/15
  • 1 small yellow onion grated or very finely diced
  • ½ cup loosely packed parsley finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon baharat Note 1
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, parsley and spices. Mix well to combine.
  • Using skewers or without, shape the kaftas into oblong shapes about 1 inch in thickness.

Grill:

  • Preheat on medium-high heat or 375℉ (190℃). Be sure to clean the grill grates, and oil them with a high smoke point oil before placing the kaftas.
  • Place the kaftas on your preheated grill, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side. You want to cook them to medium. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C, place the shaped kaftas on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
  • Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. Baharat Substitute: You can either buy baharat blend from a Middle Eastern store, or order it online. You can also make your own blend, and I have a great recipe for you! Another option is to substitute it with allspice or just omit it altogether. I know people that season kafta with just salt and pepper and it works fine but won't be as aromatic.
  2. Meatball Size: I did each kafta meatball around 1.7oz/50 grams, 3x1 inches/8x2.5cm and got 15 kaftas in total. Make sure that you shape the kaftas into even sizes for even cooking.
  3. Storing. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 4kaftas | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 406mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 4mg
Find it online: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/beef-kafta/