Get ready to enjoy juicy, flavorful Lebanese-style Kafta Kebabs—a simple, crowd-pleasing dish made in under 30 minutes. These grilled beef skewers combine lean ground beef with aromatic spices, chopped onion, and fresh parsley for a savory bite with minimal fuss. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, they pair wonderfully with pita bread, hummus, fresh salads, or grilled veggies. This dish uses everyday ingredients yet delivers bold, Middle Eastern-inspired flavors that make every bite memorable. Ideal for both casual meals and gatherings, it’s a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
1 cup fresh parsley (washed and dried)
600 g lean ground beef (preferably 85–90% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon seven‑spice blend (or substitute allspice)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for ~30 minutes to prevent burning (optional if using metal skewers).
2. In a food processor, pulse the quartered onion and parsley until finely chopped.
3. Transfer to a bowl; add ground beef and spices. Mix thoroughly—preferably by hand—to combine evenly.
4. Form the mixture around each skewer into oblong patties about 1–1½ inches thick, leaving a bit of the stick clear for handling.
5. Preheat grill (charcoal or gas) to medium‑high and oil the grates.
6. Grill skewers for ~4 minutes per side, turning once, until charred and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to retain juiciness.
7. Remove from grill; let rest a few minutes before serving.
Bake alternative: For oven preparation, preheat to 190 °C (375 °F) and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through. Check doneness as thicker patties may require more time.
Calories: ~178 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 6 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
Carbohydrates: 3 g (Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 1 g)
Cholesterol: 74 mg
Sodium: 554 mg
Potassium: 514 mg
Vitamin A: 1,061 IU
Vitamin C: 18 mg
Calcium: 32 mg
Iron: 4 mg