Description
This One-Pan Lebanese Kafta recipe features flavorful ground beef or lamb mixed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, shaped into patties, seared, and then baked alongside vibrant vegetables. Served optionally over rice or quinoa, this dish offers a hearty and delicious Middle Eastern meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome 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 and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the kafta and vegetables.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Shape Kafta: Form the seasoned meat mixture into oval-shaped patties about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
- Sear Kafta: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the kafta patties and cook approximately 5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned, creating a flavorful crust.
- Add Vegetables: Push the browned kafta patties to one side of the skillet. Arrange the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes around the patties evenly.
- Season Veggies: Lightly drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor during roasting.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the kafta is fully cooked through and the vegetables have softened and caramelized slightly.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the kafta and vegetables rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to settle and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Optionally serve the kafta and roasted vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top to add a burst of fresh color and flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef to create a more traditional Lebanese flavor.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to prevent damage when transferring from stovetop to oven.
- If you prefer spicier kafta, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free meal, serve with quinoa instead of rice.
