Name: One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for more traditional flavor); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

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If you’re after a dinner that delivers both flavor and ease, One-Pan Lebanese Kafta is a true weeknight hero. Juicy, spiced patties made in just one skillet fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of cumin, parsley, and allspice — all with minimal mess. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern flavors or crave the comforting taste of home, this recipe hits the mark for a nourishing, protein-packed meal that everyone can gather around the table for.

One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about One-Pan Lebanese Kafta is the simplicity of its ingredients. Each spice and fresh addition transforms ground meat into a dish layered with savory depth, color, and a touch of brightness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips for getting the most from every element:

Ground beef (or lamb): Choose beef for a slightly leaner version or lamb for the richest, most traditional taste; either way, go for freshly ground for best results.
Small onion, finely chopped: The onion adds tender juiciness to every bite, so the finer you chop, the more it blends into the kafta.
Fresh parsley, chopped: This burst of green lifts the entire dish and brings a fresh herbal note—flat-leaf is best if you have it.
Garlic, minced: Just two cloves make a world of difference, delivering that authentic, irrepressible Lebanese aroma.
Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin defines the kafta flavor profile—don’t skip it!
Ground paprika: Brings subtle sweetness and a lovely sunset hue to the finished patties.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint adds a gentle warmth and rounds out the spice mix beautifully.
Allspice: This is the secret to the signature savory-sweet complexity in so many Lebanese meat dishes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and making the flavors pop.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the patties for irresistible color and flavor.
Lemon, cut into wedges: A bright squeeze at the end brings everything together—don’t skip this finishing touch!

How to Make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Kafta

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl so you have plenty of space to combine everything. Add your ground beef (or lamb), finely chopped onion, parsley, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and allspice. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Here’s the trick: mix everything with clean hands until just combined, making sure the spices and herbs are evenly distributed but not overworking the meat for juicy, tender patties.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

With your mixture ready, it’s time for a little hands-on fun. Take portions of the mixture (about the size of an egg), and shape them into small ovals or rectangles—traditional kafta shape! You should get about 8 to 10 patties. If you’re working with little kitchen helpers, this is the step they’ll love.

Step 3: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, nestle your kafta patties into the pan. Let each side cook for 2-3 minutes until beautifully golden and fragrant. This quick sear locks in the juices and gives you those delicious caramelized edges that make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta so special.

Step 4: Bake to Finish

Here’s where the one-pan magic comes in. Pop the entire skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for perfectly cooked patties with an internal temperature of 160°F. The oven does the hard work, and your kitchen’s about to smell incredible.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Carefully remove your skillet from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the sizzling kafta patties. The lemon brightens the spices and melds all the flavors—truly the finishing flourish for One-Pan Lebanese Kafta. Serve while hot and watch as your family or guests dig in with big smiles.

How to Serve One-Pan Lebanese Kafta

Garnishes

Finish your One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley, an extra wedge of lemon, or even a few sliced cherry tomatoes for color. These little touches not only make the dish vibrant but also enhance the aromatic, fresh flavors with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, pillowy pita bread, or a simple salad featuring cucumbers and tomatoes. You can even whip up a quick yogurt-tahini sauce for dipping or a bowl of tangy tabbouleh on the side—classic Lebanese accompaniments that round out the meal and let the kafta shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit fancy, try serving the patties on small skewers for a party appetizer platter, or tuck them into warm pita pockets with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of garlicky yogurt. However you plate them, One-Pan Lebanese Kafta always captures attention with its colorful, inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, One-Pan Lebanese Kafta keeps exceptionally well. Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re just as tasty the next day, packed into a pita or served atop a fresh salad.

Freezing

The uncooked kafta mixture can be shaped into patties and frozen flat on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed—meal prep made wonderfully easy!

Reheating

Reheat leftover kafta patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. You can also microwave gently; just cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for One-Pan Lebanese Kafta?

Absolutely! While beef and lamb are traditional, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as leaner meats can cook faster.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries—just sear the kafta in any frying pan, then transfer the patties to a baking dish for the oven stage. The result is just as delicious!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! One-Pan Lebanese Kafta is perfect for meal prepping. You can store cooked patties in the fridge for quick lunches or freeze them for busy nights when you want a homemade meal in minutes.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

The key is to mix the meat just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the patties tough. Finely chopping the onion and parsley also helps everything bind together nicely without extra fillers.

Can I make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta dairy- or gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written! It’s a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions and still packed with flavor, so everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Lebanese Kafta truly brings both comfort and excitement to any meal. It’s a recipe that invites you to gather, share, and savor a dish bursting with time-honored flavors. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back to this skillet classic again and again!

One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe

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5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of Lebanon with this easy and delicious One-Pan Lebanese Kafta recipe. Perfectly spiced ground beef patties baked to perfection, served with a squeeze of lemon, this dish is a flavorful addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Kafta Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or lamb for more traditional flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Salt and pepper to taste

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Form the mixture into small oval or rectangular patties (about 8-10 patties).
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the kafta patties and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the kafta is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Remove from the oven and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.