If you are craving a hearty, comforting Middle Eastern dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and requires minimal cleanup, the One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, spiced ground meat patties nestled alongside juicy vegetables and baked to perfection all in one pan. It’s a wonderful harmony of fragrant herbs, earthy spices, and fresh produce that creates a meal both satisfying and impressive without any fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe makes feeding family and friends an absolute joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element here plays a vital role—from the aromatic spices that season the meat to the colorful vegetables that complement the dish visually and texturally. Gathering these staples ensures an authentic taste experience that’s both wholesome and delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix): The rich, juicy base that carries all the flavors.
- 1 small onion (grated or finely minced): Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meat.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of green color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional): Adds a cool, aromatic lift to the kafta.
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice: A warm, slightly sweet spice that deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a gentle, fragrant warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough bite to awaken the palate.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients beautifully.
- 2 medium potatoes (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds): Provide a tender, starchy complement around the meat.
- 1 large tomato (sliced): Offers juicy acidity and vibrant red color.
- 1/2 green bell pepper (sliced): Adds a mild crunch and fresh vegetable flavor.
- 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced): Contributes sweetness and bright color contrast.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy base to keep everything moist.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to lighten the tomato sauce for perfect baking consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a subtle fruity richness and to prevent sticking.
How to Make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kafta Mixture
Start by combining ground meat with grated onion, fresh parsley, mint if using, allspice, cinnamon, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly but gently—you want everything evenly dispersed without overworking the meat, which keeps your kafta tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Shape the seasoned meat into small, oval patties roughly the size of your palm. This uniform shape helps them cook evenly and gives the dish that classic kafta look that everyone loves.
Step 3: Assemble in the Pan
Lightly brush your oven-safe pan or baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the kafta patties in a single layer, leaving space around them for the vegetables. Then artistically layer your potato rounds, tomato slices, and bell pepper strips around and on top, creating a colorful, enticing mosaic.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Bake
Mix tomato sauce with water and pour it evenly over the meat and vegetables. Cover your pan tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Brown and Finish
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for about 10 more minutes. This step is essential because it lets the top brown lightly, giving a subtle caramelized finish that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few torn mint leaves over the hot kafta adds a fresh, aromatic touch. For an extra zing, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving elevates the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm pita bread that can scoop up every last bit of savory sauce. For a balanced meal, consider serving with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the kafta and vegetables on a large platter for a shareable feast. Alternatively, serve the patties wrapped in pita sandwiches with a dollop of creamy tahini sauce and pickled vegetables for a vibrant street-food vibe that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover kafta and vegetables by transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing. It will stay good for up to 2 months, ideal for meal prepping or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat dry and the potatoes mushy. If you must microwave, cover loosely to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
While beef or lamb is traditional and offers the best flavor and texture for the One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe, ground chicken or turkey can be used as lighter alternatives. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning and watch the cooking time, as these meats tend to dry out faster.
Is it necessary to brown the kafta patties before baking?
Browning the patties before baking adds a lovely depth of flavor and a delicious crust, but it’s not required. This recipe works wonderfully even when you place the raw patties directly into the pan before baking, saving you time and effort.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is centered around ground meat, but for a vegetarian version, try substituting with spiced mashed chickpeas or lentils shaped into patties. Keep the same spices and bake as directed for a similar flavor experience.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes for even cooking?
Slice your potatoes into consistent 1/4-inch rounds so they cook evenly alongside the meat. Uniform thickness ensures they’ll be tender without becoming mushy by the end of the baking time.
Can I prepare the kafta mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the kafta ingredients and form the patties a day before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready. This makes last-minute dinners effortless and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe—it’s comfort food made easy, bursting with fresh herbs, warm spices, and colorful vegetables all baked together in delicious harmony. Give this recipe a go and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for sharing with loved ones. You won’t regret inviting this taste of Lebanon into your kitchen.
Print
One-Pan Lebanese Kafta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
One-Pan Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful, easy-to-make Middle Eastern dish featuring seasoned ground beef or lamb patties baked with sliced potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a savory tomato sauce. This gluten-free main course combines aromatic spices like allspice and cinnamon with fresh herbs, delivering a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Kafta Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion (grated or finely minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 medium potatoes (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 1 large tomato (sliced)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Meat Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with grated onion, parsley, mint, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Kafta Patties: Shape the meat mixture into small oval-shaped patties about the size of your palm, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly brush the bottom of a large oven-safe pan or baking dish with olive oil. Place the kafta patties evenly in the dish, then arrange the sliced potatoes, tomato, and bell peppers layered around and over the patties.
- Prepare and Pour Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with water until combined. Pour this sauce mixture uniformly over the entire pan, covering the patties and vegetables.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This step allows the top layer to brown slightly for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, ideally with rice or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For additional flavor, brown the kafta patties briefly in a skillet before arranging them in the baking dish.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
- Try substituting sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
