Beef Kafta Kebabs

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Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, these Beef Kafta Kebabs are a classic Middle Eastern street food that brings bold taste to your grill or oven. Made with ground beef, herbs, and warm spices, they’re shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply craving something different for dinner, this dish delivers mouthwatering satisfaction in every bite.

The beauty of Beef Kafta Kebabs lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get a deeply savory, protein-packed meal that pairs wonderfully with salads, dips, or grains. It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with global flavors made easy.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Kafta Kebabs Recipe

These kebabs are packed with flavor, incredibly juicy, and easy to prepare. Whether grilled outdoors or baked in the oven, the mix of spices and fresh herbs creates a rich and aromatic taste that beats takeout any day. Plus, they’re low carb, gluten-free, and family-friendly.

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What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Kafta Kebabs?

For the best texture and flavor, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat helps keep the kebabs moist and flavorful as they cook. You can also mix in ground lamb for a more traditional Lebanese flavor profile.

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Ingredients for the Beef Kafta Kebabs

Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef (80/20): The main component, providing richness and juiciness.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of peppery flavor.
• Onion: Finely grated to blend smoothly into the beef, keeping it moist and flavorful.
• Garlic: Brings sharp, aromatic depth.
• Ground Allspice: A warm, sweet spice that’s essential in Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the richness of the beef.
• Ground Cumin: Offers an earthy undertone and balances the spice blend.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
• Wooden Skewers (soaked if grilling): For shaping and grilling the kebabs.

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How To Make the Beef Kafta Kebabs

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Finely chop the parsley, grate the onion, and mince the garlic. This ensures the flavors blend well into the meat mixture without creating large chunks.

Step 2: Mix the Kafta

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, grated onion, garlic, and all the spices. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated but don’t overwork it.

Step 3: Shape the Kebabs

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each one around a skewer, forming a long sausage-like kebab. Wet your hands slightly to help shape the meat without sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Kebabs

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the kebabs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Serve

Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.

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How to Serve and Store Beef Kafta Kebabs

This recipe yields about 6 kebabs and serves 3-4 people, depending on portion size. Serve them fresh off the grill or oven, paired with pita bread, fresh salads, or rice.

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture. You can also freeze cooked or uncooked kebabs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating or cooking.

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What to Serve With Beef Kafta Kebabs?

1. Tzatziki or Garlic Sauce

A creamy, tangy yogurt-based dip balances the richness of the meat perfectly.

2. Mediterranean Rice or Couscous

Serve the kebabs over fluffy rice or couscous for a complete meal.

3. Grilled Vegetables

Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled alongside the kebabs complement the smoky flavor.

4. Hummus and Pita Bread

A classic combo that turns your kebab plate into a Middle Eastern feast.

5. Fattoush or Tabbouleh Salad

These fresh and tangy salads add brightness and crunch to your meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground lamb or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground lamb is a traditional choice for kafta and adds a distinct, rich flavor. Chicken works too for a leaner option but may need extra seasoning and binding to hold shape.

Can I cook these in the oven without skewers?

Absolutely. Simply shape them into logs and bake on a parchment-lined tray. You’ll still get great flavor even without skewers.

How do I keep the kebabs from falling apart?

Make sure your mixture is well combined and not too wet. Grating the onion (rather than dicing) and squeezing out excess moisture can help. If needed, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help bind.

Are these kebabs gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any dips or sides you serve alongside are also gluten-free.

What other recipes can I try if I love these?

If you enjoy these kebabs, try our Chicken Shawarma Wraps or Beef Kofta Meatballs for more Middle Eastern-inspired flavors.

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