If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors yet requires minimal fuss, then you absolutely must try One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: A Delicious and Easy Oven-Baked Recipe. This recipe perfectly balances juicy, spiced meat with roasted vegetables, all cooked together in a single pan. The result is a heartwarming, aromatic meal that feels both authentic and accessible, promising impressive flavors without keeping you tied to the stove. It’s like bringing a little piece of Lebanon right into your kitchen with straightforward steps and everyday ingredients.

One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: A Delicious and Easy Oven-Baked Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, this recipe is simple yet rich in taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the fragrant spices that give the kafta its character or the fresh vegetables that add vibrant color and a burst of natural sweetness.

1 pound ground beef or lamb: Choose meat with a bit of fat for juiciness and flavor that shines through every bite.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds mild sweetness and moisture to the meat mixture.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts warmth and depth with its unmistakable aroma.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a hint of freshness that lightens the dish.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthy, nutty tones essential to Lebanese cuisine.
1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds bright, citrusy notes complementing the other spices.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky complexity and vibrant color.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a sweet-spicy warmth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt and pepper, to taste: The basic but vital seasoning to bring everything together.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the kafta and drizzling over vegetables for a silky finish.
1 bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a pop of red color.
1 zucchini, sliced: Offers a tender, light texture contrasting the meat.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst with juiciness when roasted, enhancing the dish’s freshness.
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (optional): Perfect for serving if you want to make the meal more filling.

How to Make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: A Delicious and Easy Oven-Baked Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

A crucial start to ensure everything cooks evenly. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready when your kafta and veggies are prepared.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Combine the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and all the aromatic spices—cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and fragrant. This mixture is the heart of the dish and sets the foundation for those unforgettable flavors.

Step 3: Shape Your Kafta

Form the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties about 1 inch thick. This shape not only cooks evenly but also appeals visually—think traditional Lebanese street food presented right on your plate.

Step 4: Sear the Kafta

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, and add the kafta patties. Sear them for about five minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful browned crust. This step locks in the juices and builds layers of flavor you won’t want to miss.

Step 5: Add and Season the Vegetables

Slide the browned kafta to one side of the skillet and arrange the bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes on the other side. Lightly drizzle the veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to highlight their natural sweetness and ensure they roast to perfection.

Step 6: Bake Everything Together

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. This allows the kafta to cook through perfectly while the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, absorbing all those delicious meat juices.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute within the meat, making your kafta irresistibly juicy. Serve it alongside fluffy rice or quinoa if desired, and get ready for a warm plate full of vibrant aromas and flavors.

How to Serve One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: A Delicious and Easy Oven-Baked Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds just the right burst of green and a refreshing herbal note that elevates the dish. You can also add a dollop of creamy tahini or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors further.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed rice or quinoa, which soak up the juices from the kafta and vegetables. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the kafta on warm pita bread along with a dollop of labneh or garlic sauce, turning it into a fantastic Middle Eastern-inspired wrap. Alternatively, present the vegetables and kafta over a bed of herbed couscous to add extra texture and flavor variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the kafta and roasted vegetables will stay delicious for up to three days, which makes for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the kafta patties separately before cooking if you want to prep ahead. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before following the cooking steps. Cooked leftovers also freeze well when stored properly, allowing you to enjoy this easy oven-baked recipe anytime you wish.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the kafta and vegetables gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of water before reheating in the oven helps retain moisture, ensuring the kafta stays tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef or lamb is traditional, you can also try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just keep in mind these meats can be less fatty, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or moisture to keep the kafta juicy.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika or coriander?

You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder if you like some heat. For coriander, ground cumin alone works fine, though the flavor will be slightly less complex.

Is it necessary to sear the kafta before baking?

Searing is highly recommended because it locks in the meat’s juices and develops a flavorful crust. You could skip this step, but your kafta won’t have the same depth of flavor or texture.

Can I make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta vegetarian?

While kafta is traditionally meat-based, you can experiment with plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just adjust cooking times and expect a slightly different texture and taste, but the vegetable medley will still be fantastic.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is more aromatic and mildly spiced rather than spicy hot. If you want to add heat, you can toss in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while mixing the meat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish that brings warmth and vibrant Middle Eastern flavors to your table without the fuss, give One-Pan Lebanese Kafta: A Delicious and Easy Oven-Baked Recipe a try. Its simplicity, combined with the harmony of spices and fresh ingredients, guarantees a delicious meal you will want to make again and again. Cooking this dish feels like sharing a beautiful tradition with your loved ones — and trust me, it tastes just as wonderful as it sounds.