When it comes to grilling, classics like burgers and hot dogs often take center stage. But if you’re looking for something equally satisfying yet packed with vibrant flavors, Lebanese-style grilling is the way to go. One of the most beloved dishes in Lebanese cuisine is Beef Kafta—a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish made with ground beef, herbs, onions, and warm Middle Eastern spices.

These grilled beef kebabs are juicy, aromatic, and incredibly versatile. Whether cooked outdoors on a barbecue grill or indoors on a grill pan, beef kafta delivers bold flavors with minimal ingredients.

Traditionally served with pita bread, hummus, or rice, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or summer cookouts.

What is Kafta?

Kafta (also spelled kofta in many Middle Eastern countries) is a popular dish made from ground meat mixed with herbs, spices, and onions.

In Lebanon, kafta is commonly made with:

Ground beef
Parsley
Onion
A blend of Middle Eastern spices

The mixture is shaped into oval kebabs or patties and grilled until perfectly juicy.

Although beef is most commonly used, kafta can also be made with:

Lamb
Chicken
A mixture of beef and lamb

The result is a protein-rich dish bursting with savory flavor and fragrant spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lebanese Beef Kafta recipe is loved for many reasons:

Simple ingredients – only a handful of pantry staples
Packed with flavor thanks to aromatic Middle Eastern spices
Quick to prepare – ready in about 30 minutes
Perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking indoors
Versatile – serve with rice, salads, wraps, or dips

Once you try it, it may easily become your new favorite grilled dish.

Ingredients

To make authentic Lebanese beef kafta, you’ll need:

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 small yellow onion, quartered
1 pound ground beef (10–15% fat recommended)
2 teaspoons Lebanese 7 spice
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon coriander
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Lebanese Beef Kafta

1. Chop the parsley

Place the parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Remove and set aside.

2. Process the onion

Add the onion to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. If necessary, lightly drain to remove excess moisture.

3. Combine ingredients

Return the parsley to the food processor. Add the ground beef and spices. Pulse a few times until everything is evenly combined.

Avoid over-processing, as it can make the meat tough.

4. Shape the kafta

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and shape into oblong kebabs about 1 inch thick.

You can:

Shape them around wooden skewers for grilling
Form them by hand if cooking in a pan

You should get about 12 kafta kebabs.

5. Grill the kafta

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.

Grill the kafta for 4–5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness.

Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Beef Kafta

Beef kafta pairs beautifully with many Middle Eastern side dishes.

Classic options

Lebanese vermicelli rice
Bulgur pilaf
Warm pita bread

Fresh sides

Fattoush salad
Tabbouleh
Cucumber yogurt sauce

Dips and spreads

Hummus
Garlic sauce (toum)
Baba ganoush

These sides create a complete Lebanese-style meal.

Tips for the Best Kafta

Choose the right beef
Use ground beef with 10–15% fat for the juiciest results.

Don’t overmix the meat
Overmixing can make kafta dense and dry.

Make evenly sized kebabs
Uniform shapes help them cook evenly.

Avoid overcooking
Kafta tastes best when cooked to medium doneness, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make kafta ahead of time?

Yes. You can shape the kafta and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze kafta?

Absolutely. Freeze the shaped raw kafta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I bake kafta instead of grilling?

Yes. Bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I use other meats?

Yes! Kafta works well with:

Ground lamb
Ground chicken
A mix of beef and lamb

Storage Tips

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer:
Kafta freezes well for up to 3 months.

More Lebanese Recipes to Try

If you love this dish, you might also enjoy:

Chicken Kafta
Mujadara (Lentils and Rice)
Chicken Shish Tawook
Beef Shawarma Wraps
Lebanese Chicken Fatteh
Falafel

These dishes bring authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Lebanese Beef Kafta recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated ingredients. With just ground beef, parsley, onion, and warm spices, you can create a dish that is juicy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Whether served with rice, wrapped in pita, or enjoyed alongside fresh salads and dips, kafta is a timeless Middle Eastern favorite that always delivers.