These Beef Kafta Kebabs are set to be a staple this summer, and for good reason. If you’re a fan of the rich flavors of kofta, you’ll love exploring various delicious options like Lamb Kafta, Turkey Kofta Kebabs, Chicken Kofta, or even these delightful Beef Kafta Meatballs. Each offers a unique twist on this beloved Middle Eastern dish.

Kafta, often referred to as kofta, is a celebrated dish throughout the Middle East. If you’ve ever dined at an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant, chances are you’ve savored a beef kafta recipe before. The signature blend of warm spices is what truly sets beef kofta apart, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

In Lebanese cooking, kafta skewers are a frequent and cherished meal. It’s one of my personal favorite items to order at my go-to local Middle Eastern spots, like Aladdins. The convenience of takeout is tempting, but nothing beats the satisfaction and control of preparing these flavorful skewers at home. Cooking at home allows you to ensure the freshest ingredients and tailor the flavors precisely to your liking, all while saving money.

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its minimal prep time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. I’m thrilled to share these kafta kebabs with you because they represent my favorite way to enjoy beef infused with authentic Middle Eastern flavors. They pair beautifully with traditional sides such as Tabbouleh, creamy Hummus, and savory Lebanese Green Beans, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

If you’ve enjoyed my Beef Kafta Meatballs, then today’s Beef Kofta Kebabs will feel comfortingly familiar. The primary distinction lies in their cooking method: these are designed for the grill, offering a delightful smoky char that only grilling can provide. Grilling simplifies meal preparation, especially when it comes to beef. Beef cooks quickly on the grill, and these kafta kebabs are no exception, requiring less than 10 minutes to cook to perfection.

Beyond beef, kofta is incredibly versatile. You can also explore options like Lamb Kofta and Chicken Kofta to broaden your culinary horizons. In our home, we often enjoy other beef recipes such as Beef Shawarma, One Skillet Beef Taco Pasta, and Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, each offering unique flavors and cooking experiences.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Lebanese Kofta

Crafting the perfect Lebanese Kafta starts with selecting the right ingredients and understanding how each contributes to the final, delicious outcome.

• Beef: Ground beef is undeniably the star of this recipe. For optimal flavor and a tender texture, I highly recommend using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat content is crucial for keeping the kafta moist and preventing it from drying out during cooking. For an even richer, more traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile, consider using a blend of half ground lamb and half ground beef. While leaner ground beef can be used, the 80/20 ratio significantly contributes to a more tender kafta that holds its shape better on the skewer.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples form the foundational flavor base for the kafta. When finely minced, they infuse the meat mixture with a savory depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the rich spices. Their fine texture also helps bind the mixture together.
• Spices and Herbs: The vibrant blend of spices and fresh herbs is truly what defines Middle Eastern kafta.
  • Fresh Parsley and Mint: These fresh herbs provide a bright, herbaceous lift, cutting through the richness of the meat and adding a distinct Lebanese aroma.
  • Cumin and Coriander: The earthy, warm notes of cumin and the citrusy, slightly sweet hints of coriander are quintessential to Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • Cinnamon and Allspice: These offer a unique warmth and subtle sweetness, contributing to the complex, inviting aroma of the kafta.
  • Cloves: Just a touch of ground cloves adds a pungent, aromatic depth that rounds out the spice blend.
  • Oregano: Provides a slightly bitter, peppery note that enhances the savory flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes & Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, these add a gentle kick without overpowering the delicate spice balance.
• Breadcrumbs: A vital binding agent, plain breadcrumbs help to absorb excess moisture and ensure the kafta mixture holds its form around the skewers. They also contribute to a tender, less dense texture.
• Egg: Similar to breadcrumbs, the egg acts as a binder, helping to emulsify the mixture and provide structure, ensuring the kabobs stay together beautifully when shaped and cooked.

For exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card below.

How to Prepare Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kabobs

Making Lebanese Kafta is a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results. Follow these steps for perfect kabobs every time:

1. Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in water for at least 30-60 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the hot grill. If you prefer, flat metal skewers are also an excellent choice and don’t require soaking. Prepare about 6-8 skewers, depending on the desired size of your kabobs. Before you start cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
2. Blend the Kafta Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion and garlic in a food processor. This ensures they integrate seamlessly into the meat mixture without large chunks. Next, add the ground beef, fresh parsley, fresh mint, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), and oregano to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are well combined. Incorporate the egg and continue to process until the beef mixture starts to thicken and everything is thoroughly mixed. Finally, add the breadcrumbs and process briefly until fully combined. Transfer the ground meat mixture from the food processor to a large mixing bowl.
3. Form the Kafta: For best results and to help the mixture bind better, you can optionally refrigerate the beef mixture for 30 minutes before shaping. Using your hands, firmly form 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick, oblong-shaped kebabs around each skewer. Ensure the meat is pressed tightly onto the skewers to prevent them from falling apart during cooking. Continue until all the beef mixture is used.
4. Grill the Kebabs: Lightly brush your grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the prepared meat skewers on the preheated grill. Grill over medium-high heat for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Alternative Cooking Methods:
   • Air Fry: Arrange kafta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and nicely browned.
   • Bake: Place kafta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Serve: Once cooked, serve your delicious kafta kabobs immediately. They are fantastic with creamy hummus or smoky baba ganoush, accompanied by warm pita bread. For a complete meal, turn them into a pita wrap with a dollop of toum (garlic sauce) or tahini sauce. I also love serving them on a fresh salad with crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Delicious Accompaniments for Beef Kafta Kabobs

Beef Kafta Kabobs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, enhancing the overall Middle Eastern dining experience.

• Flavorful Vegetable Sides: Lebanese kebabs are a natural match for fresh and roasted vegetables. Some of my top recommendations include savory Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, aromatic Za’atar Carrots, and perfectly seasoned Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower. These sides add a burst of freshness and texture that complements the rich meat.
• Light and Zesty Salads: A crisp salad is a fantastic addition, providing a refreshing contrast. Consider serving with a hearty Mediterranean Bean Salad, an Easy Lebanese Salad with its simple yet vibrant flavors, or a robust Mediterranean Chopped Salad.
• Hearty Potato Dishes: For a more substantial meal, potatoes make an excellent pairing. Try the spicy kick of Spicy Lebanese Potatoes, the bright flavors of Lemon Cilantro Roasted Potatoes, or classic Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Paprika.
• Breads and Grains: No Middle Eastern meal is complete without warm bread. Serve your Kafta alongside soft pita bread or crunchy pita chips. My personal favorite is also pairing them with fluffy vermicelli rice, which perfectly absorbs the kabob’s juices and accompanying sauces.

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Beef Kafta Kebab Recipe

By Julia Jolliff

This Beef Kafta Kebab Recipe is easy to prepare and uses warm, rich Middle Eastern spices. You can eat the beef kebabs in a pita sandwich or on a plate of hummus with pita on the side.

Video

Discover how to make these delicious kebabs by watching the video below!

Ingredients

For the Beef Kafta:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 of a medium sweet onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

For the Tahini Garlic Sauce:

• 1 cup tahini
• 3/4 cup warm water (you might need more depending on the consistency you like)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste (1 lemon usually does the trick)
• 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste

Instructions

For the Beef Kafta:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for an hour to prevent burning. For metal skewers, set aside 6-8. Preheat grill to medium-high for 10-15 minutes.
2. In a food processor, finely chop the onion and garlic.
3. Add ground beef, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Pulse a few times.
4. Add the egg and process until a thick mixture forms and ingredients are well combined.
5. Add breadcrumbs and process until fully incorporated. Transfer the beef mixture to a large mixing bowl.
6. Optional: Refrigerate the beef mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help it hold its form better.
7. Using your hands, form 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick, oblong kebabs around each skewer, pressing firmly.
8. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place skewers on the grill and cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
9. Serve the kebabs with your favorite pita, hummus, tabbouleh, and a drizzle of the tahini garlic sauce.

For the Tahini Garlic Sauce:

1. Combine all ingredients for the Tahini Garlic Sauce in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Notes

• These Grilled Beef Kafta Kebabs are incredibly versatile. Try them on top of a Fattoush salad or alongside Tabbouleh. For a classic pita sandwich, combine the beef kafta with fresh tomato, a scoop of tabbouleh, hummus, and a generous drizzle of tahini garlic sauce.
• While traditional beef kafta recipes may not always include breadcrumbs, I find that adding them significantly improves the consistency of the meat, making it easier to form and ensuring a more tender kabob.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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