Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Short Description

Discover the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine with this Easy Lebanese Beef Kafta recipe. Succulent grilled beef skewers are seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then paired with a tangy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend gathering, this dish brings the taste of the Middle East right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Convenient: With a total preparation and cooking time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy individuals seeking a flavorful meal without the fuss.​
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the kafta on its own with the refreshing yogurt sauce, or create a hearty bowl by adding rice, fresh salad, and pita bread.​Foxes Love Lemons
  • Customizable Ingredients: Whether you prefer beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey, this recipe accommodates various protein choices to suit your taste.​Foxes Love Lemons
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the meat mixture and the yogurt sauce can be prepared in advance, allowing for effortless assembly when you’re ready to cook.​Foxes Love Lemons
  • Perfect for Entertaining: These flavorful skewers make for an impressive appetizer or main course at your next gathering, sure to delight guests with their exotic taste.​

Ingredients

For the Yogurt Sauce:

For Serving:

Directions

  1. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.​Foxes Love Lemons
  2. Mix the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, finely minced yellow onion, dried parsley, ground coriander, ground cumin, allspice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.​Foxes Love Lemons
  3. Shape the Kafta: Divide the beef mixture into eight equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer into a 3- to 4-inch long log.​Foxes Love Lemons
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, suitable for direct grilling.​
  5. Grill the Kafta: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).​
  6. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the kafta is grilling, in a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, juice of half a lemon, grated lemon zest, dried oregano, a pinch of kosher salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.​Foxes Love Lemons
  7. Assemble and Serve: Serve the grilled kafta with the yogurt sauce, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. For a bowl-style serving, toss sliced mini cucumbers, red onion, and halved grape tomatoes with olive oil. Place prepared rice in serving bowls, top with the salad mixture, add the kafta skewers, and drizzle with yogurt sauce. Serve with pita bread if desired.​Foxes Love Lemons

Variations

  • Alternative Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, chicken, or turkey to suit your preference.​Foxes Love Lemons
  • Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh herbs such as mint or cilantro into the meat mixture for a different flavor profile.​
  • Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of spices like cumin and allspice to cater to your taste preferences.​
  • Serving Styles: Enjoy the kafta wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauce for a handheld meal, or serve over a bed of greens for a lighter option.​
  • Cheese Addition: Top the kafta with crumbled feta cheese before serving to add a creamy and tangy element.​

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes​
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes​
  • Total Time: 23 minutes​
  • Servings: 4​Foxes Love Lemons

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Place leftover kafta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.​
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked kafta in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.​
  • Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen kafta in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed.​

FAQs

What is kafta?

Kafta, also spelled kofta, is a Middle Eastern dish consisting of ground meat mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, shaped into logs or patties, and

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Lebanese Beef Kafta Recipe

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the bold flavors of the Middle East with this Easy Lebanese Beef Kafta recipe! Juicy, spiced beef skewers are grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. Ready in just 23 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful gathering. Serve with rice, salad, or pita for a complete meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Kafta

  • 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, chicken, turkey)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • Bamboo or metal skewers

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ lemon, juiced and zested
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For Serving (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Mini cucumbers, sliced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • White or brown rice, cooked
  • Pita bread

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Kafta Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, onion, parsley, coriander, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Kafta

  • Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
  • Shape each portion around a skewer into a 3–4 inch long log.

Step 4: Preheat & Grill

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (or use a skillet).
  • Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Make the Yogurt Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice & zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve kafta with yogurt sauce, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.
  • For a bowl-style meal, combine sliced cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes with olive oil, then serve with rice and kafta skewers.
  • Optionally, wrap in pita bread for a delicious sandwich.

Notes

⭐ Alternative Proteins: Swap beef for lamb, chicken, or turkey.
⭐ Extra Herbs: Add fresh mint or cilantro for more flavor.
⭐ Spice Adjustments: Increase cumin or allspice for deeper warmth.
⭐ Serving Ideas: Wrap in pita or serve over greens for a lighter option.
⭐ Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern

Keywords: Lebanese beef kafta, grilled kafta skewers, easy kafta recipe, Middle Eastern beef kebabs, kafta with yogurt sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Liza

Dinner

FacebookXPinterestWhatsappShortlink

Related Posts ...

No comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆