These savory beef kafta patties are made with ground sirloin, onion, fresh parsley, and traditional Lebanese spices. Perfect on the grill or under the broiler.
If you aren’t familiar with beef kafta (called kofta in some Middle Eastern countries), it’s basically the Lebanese meatball. And in my household, they disappear when I make them as my boys practically inhale them, especially if there is a side of labneh or green beans to go with it. Made with traditional Lebanese spices, my Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties are a great way to enter the world of Middle Eastern food and explore the warm and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: I use ground sirloin as it’s leaner, but you could use ground chuck, too.
- Onion: White onion is pretty mild, but still adds great flavor and moisture to the patties.
- Parsley: Bright, somewhat peppery, and classic to the kafta dish.
- Lebanese spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are all warm, woodsy spices that are slightly sweet. They’re a great source of antioxidants and cinnamon specifically has been linked to lower blood sugar.
How to Make Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties
Start your Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties by putting your ground beef in a large food processor.
Next add your fresh parsley and onion, cut into wedges.
Then add the cinnamon and allspice.
Followed by the nutmeg and some salt and pepper to taste.
Pulse blend until combined and the onion and parsely are broken up throughout the meat.
Next, use wet or oiled hands to form 12 evenly sized patties.
Take them out to the grill and cook them on high heat for 2-3 mintues per side.
Garnish with additional parsley or fresh mint, and enjoy your Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties!
Tips From the Chef
- I like to use a different protein. Traditionally, kafta is made with ground lamb. And while a beef kafta is great, I love the tenderness that comes with the lamb!
- Try it as a burger. If you make your patties a little bigger, you could make a kafta burger. Along with traditional toppings like lettuce and tomato, really lean into the Mediterranean flavor by topping with tahini sauce or some tzatziki, and serving in a pita pocket!
Frequently asked questions:
What do you serve with beef kafta?
How do you shape a kafta?
Can I freeze cooked kafta?
More Lebanese Recipes
- Lebanese Rice Bowls with Hummus
- Shish Tawook Chicken
- Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes
- Lebanese Hindbeh
- Grilled White Fish with Tahini Lemon Sauce
Eat It, LIke It, Share it!
Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your meal.
For a taste of classic Lebanese flavor, you can’t go wrong with my Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties. Serve it over rice pilaf like I did, or wrapped in a pita with some hummus. Let me know how you chose to serve it in a comment!
Your fork is waiting.
Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pre-heat grill or broiler to high heat.
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender and pulse until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Using wet hands, form into 12 evenly sized, small patties.
- Spray grill with non-stick grilling spray and grill patties for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once for medium-rare. Cook longer for well done.
- Serve over bulgur wheat or rice pilaf.
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