If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Middle Eastern charm and promises both simplicity and flavor, then this is the one for you. The One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe combines perfectly spiced ground meat with vibrant, roasted vegetables, all cooked together in one pan for an easy, hearty meal that never disappoints. From the first bite, you’ll be transported to the warm kitchens of Lebanon, savoring aromatic herbs and spices that make this dish an absolute favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a vital role: the ground beef or lamb brings a juicy richness, spices add layers of warmth and complexity, and fresh vegetables provide color and a tender bite.
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb: Choose fresh meat with a bit of fat for juiciness and flavor depth.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the kafta moist.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that signature savory punch common in Lebanese cooking.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Offers brightness and a fresh herby contrast.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Delivers earthy and slightly nutty undertones.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Provides a subtle citrus aroma that uplifts the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and mild heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds unexpected warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the kafta and roasting the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Gives a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 zucchini, sliced: Softens up while roasting and adds earthy freshness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst with juicy sweetness and slight tang after roasting.
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (optional): Perfect for serving if you want a more filling meal.
How to Make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right for roasting the vegetables to tender perfection and finishing the kafta inside the skillet without drying it out.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and all the warm spices including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly lets the flavors develop evenly throughout your kafta patties.
Step 3: Shape Your Kafta
Take handfuls of the meat mixture and shape them into oval-shaped patties about an inch thick. This traditional shape helps them cook evenly and gives that authentic Lebanese look.
Step 4: Sear the Kafta
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place your kafta patties gently in the pan and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This caramelization seals in the juices and brings out that irresistible meaty flavor.
Step 5: Add Your Vegetables
Push the kafta to one side of the skillet. Neatly arrange the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes around the meat. These veggies will roast alongside the kafta, soaking up the flavorful drippings.
Step 6: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle a little more olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle them with salt and pepper to bring out their natural sweetness during the roasting process.
Step 7: Bake It All Together
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This ensures your kafta patties cook through while the vegetables turn tender and slightly caramelized, creating a perfect harmony of textures.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let everything rest for 10 minutes. This pause lets all the juices settle, which means every bite will be incredibly juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the go-to garnish here. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a bright, fresh pop of color and balances the rich flavors with its vibrant, herbaceous notes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want to add a zesty kick.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe can stand alone, serving it over fluffy cooked rice or a nutty quinoa works wonderfully to soak up all the delicious pan juices. A side of creamy yogurt or a simple cucumber-tomato salad can also cool down the intensities and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the kafta and veggies wrapped inside warm pita bread with some tahini sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. Alternatively, assembling a vibrant platter with the kafta in the center surrounded by roasted vegetables and grains gives a family-style presentation perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The beauty of the One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is how well it keeps. Store any leftover kafta and roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked kafta patties separately in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Vegetables are best frozen fresh or consumed within a day if stored in the fridge, as roasting changes their texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or the oven at a low temperature to keep the kafta juicy and the vegetables tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the meat to dry out or vegetables to become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey will work in this recipe but expect a slightly milder flavor. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or a touch of olive oil to keep the kafta moist.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has warmth from spices like cumin and paprika rather than heat. If you like spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with harissa on the side.
Can I prepare the kafta mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients one day ahead and keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator. This often helps the flavors to meld even more deeply before cooking.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! After searing the kafta and cooking the vegetables a bit on the stove, transfer everything to a baking dish to roast in the oven.
How do I know when the kafta is fully cooked?
The kafta should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and be firm to the touch, with juices running clear. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re new to Lebanese cuisine or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to become a beloved go-to. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Description
This One-Pan Lebanese Kafta recipe features flavorful ground beef or lamb patties seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs, seared to perfection, then baked alongside vibrant vegetables. The dish is easy to prepare, wholesome, and ideal for a comforting meal, especially when served over rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
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
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
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 the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Shape Kafta: Form the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1 inch thick, ensuring they hold together well for cooking.
- Sear Kafta: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the kafta patties and cook each side for about 5 minutes until browned nicely, which seals in the juices.
- Add Vegetables: Push the seared kafta patties to one side of the skillet. Arrange the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes around the kafta.
- Season Veggies: Lightly drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the kafta are fully cooked through and the vegetables become tender.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the kafta and vegetables rest for 10 minutes to settle and redistribute juices.
- Serve: Serve the kafta and roasted vegetables as is or over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use either ground beef or lamb based on your preference; lamb will offer a richer flavor.
- Be sure to form the kafta patties evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- An oven-safe skillet is essential for the seamless transition from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and taste the meat mixture before shaping patties.
- For a lower-carb option, skip rice or quinoa and serve with a side salad.
- If you prefer, fresh parsley can be substituted with cilantro for a different but complementary flavor.
