Description
This one-pan Lebanese Kafta recipe features spiced ground beef or lamb patties seared to perfection, then baked alongside vibrant vegetables for a wholesome, flavorful meal. Enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, this dish is a comforting and authentic Middle Eastern classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Kafta Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the kafta and vegetables.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Kafta: Form the seasoned meat mixture into oval-shaped patties approximately 1 inch thick.
- Sear Kafta: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the kafta patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust.
- Add Vegetables: Push the kafta patties to one side of the skillet. Arrange the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes around the patties in the skillet.
- Season Vegetables: Drizzle the vegetables lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring they are well seasoned.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the kafta is fully cooked through and the vegetables have softened.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve: Serve the kafta and roasted vegetables hot, optionally over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added freshness and vibrant color before serving.
Notes
- Ground beef or lamb can be substituted depending on preference or dietary requirements.
- For added flavor, soak wooden skewers in water if deciding to use kebab-style preparation, though this recipe uses patties.
- Vegetables can be varied based on seasonality or preference.
- Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron to easily transition from stovetop to oven.
- Ensure kafta patties are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently for up to 3 days.
