Middle Eastern–inspired, beef kafta kebabs are juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor — perfect for grilling, baking, or even air frying. Made with ground beef, herbs, and warm spices, these kebabs come together in just 30 minutes and are guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
🕒 Servings & Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
🥗 Dietary Info:
✅ High-Protein • ✅ Gluten-Free • ✅ Dairy-Free • ✅ Low-Carb
🛒 Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
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1 small onion, grated or finely minced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup chopped parsley
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2 tbsp chopped fresh mint (optional but amazing)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp cinnamon (for authentic flavor)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
Optional for Serving:
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Warm pita bread
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Garlic yogurt sauce or tahini
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Diced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, and all spices. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined, but don’t overmix — this keeps the meat tender.
2. Shape the Kafta
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
Shape each one around a skewer into a long oval or sausage shape about 1 inch thick.
(Tip: Wet your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking.)
3. Cook the Kebabs
You can cook kafta 3 different ways:
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush lightly with oil and grill kebabs 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange kebabs on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway.
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Rest & Serve
Let kebabs rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of tahini sauce.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
Serve kafta with:
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Warm pita or flatbread
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Garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki
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Mediterranean salad or tabbouleh
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A side of fluffy basmati rice
💡 Pro Tips for Juicy Kafta
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Use 80–85% lean beef — too lean, and the kafta will dry out.
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Grate the onion finely so it blends into the meat and keeps it moist.
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Chill the kebabs for 10 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
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Don’t overcook — remove from heat once internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).
❄️ Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked kebabs for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
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