If you have ever wished for a meal that combines bold Middle Eastern flavors with the ease of a single pan, then you are in for a treat with this One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, spiced kafta patties and a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables, all baked to perfection under one roof. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a celebration of color and nourishment that feels like a warm hug from Lebanese cuisine. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures every bite packs a punch. Each element has a crucial role, whether it’s the fragrant spices elevating the kafta or the fresh vegetables adding sweetness and texture to the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb: Choose quality meat for juicy, flavorful kafta patties.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the meat mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic base essential to Middle Eastern dishes.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the kafta with fresh herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Delivers earthy warmth, a cornerstone spice in Lebanese cooking.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Offers a lightly citrusy undertone that balances the meatiness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A subtle hint that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used both for searing the kafta and roasting the vegetables, adding richness.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and crisp texture to the roasted vegetable mix.
- 1 zucchini, sliced: Softens nicely when roasted, bringing earthiness and moisture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These burst with juiciness and balance the spices perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (optional): Makes a great base if you want to turn this into a heartier meal.
How to Make One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven hot early means you’ll have everything ready when it’s time to roast the vegetables and finish cooking the kafta. This step sets the foundation for a perfectly timed cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and all those lovely spices—cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s evenly distributed but avoid overworking the meat to keep the kafta tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Kafta
Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties about one inch thick. This traditional shape helps them cook evenly and gives that classic Lebanese kafta look. Be gentle but firm enough to keep everything together during cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Kafta
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the kafta patties and sear for about 5 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden-brown crust that locks in the juices while adding fantastic flavor through caramelization. This step adds dimension to your one-pan masterpiece.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Shift the seared kafta to one side of the skillet to make room for your bell pepper slices, zucchini rounds, and halved cherry tomatoes. This arrangement allows everything to roast beautifully together without overcrowding, which helps vegetables caramelize rather than steam.
Step 6: Season the Vegetables
Drizzle a little more olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their natural sweetness and encourages roasting that delivers charred, juicy bites alongside the spiced meat.
Step 7: Bake Everything Together
Place the skillet in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the kafta will cook through completely while the vegetables become tender and roasted to perfection. The aromas wafting through the kitchen at this stage are simply irresistible.
Step 8: Rest the Dish
Once the skillet is out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting allows the juices to redistribute in the kafta, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful, while the vegetables settle perfectly on the plate.
How to Serve One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dish to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even a little sumac on top. The bright green parsley adds freshness and vibrant color, while sumac introduces a tangy twist that complements the spiced meat brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own but can easily be served over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices. You could also add a side of creamy hummus or tangy yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki for an authentic Lebanese finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe directly from the skillet for a rustic and impressive presentation. Alternatively, arrange the kafta and vegetables on a large platter surrounded by fresh pita bread and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover kafta and vegetables in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked kafta patties separately or with vegetables. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to preserve the kafta’s texture. You can also use the oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the patties from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional kafta is usually made with beef or lamb, ground chicken or turkey can be a lighter alternative. Just be mindful they may cook faster and can be less juicy, so adjust cooking times accordingly and consider a bit more olive oil for moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it without bread or select gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa.
Can I make the kafta mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a few hours ahead or even the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld together, making your kafta even tastier.
What can I substitute for the vegetables listed?
Feel free to swap the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with other roast-friendly veggies like eggplant, mushrooms, or carrots. Just make sure they cook in roughly the same time to avoid undercooked or overcooked components.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Definitely! This dish is hearty, flavorful, and comes together with minimal hassle, making it a fantastic choice for feeding your loved ones with a dish that feels special yet is easy to prepare.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking a wholesome, vibrant meal all in one pan, and the One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Its blend of spices, juicy meat, and colorful vegetables offers a rich taste of Lebanese tradition that’s approachable for any cook. I promise once you make this, it will become one of your go-to weeknight dinners and maybe even a showstopper for special gatherings. So grab that skillet and let’s get cooking—your new favorite meal awaits!
Print
One-Pan Lebanese Kafta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Description
Discover the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine with this one-pan Lebanese Kafta recipe, featuring spiced ground beef or lamb patties seared and baked alongside vibrant roasted vegetables. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for a wholesome family meal and can be served with rice or quinoa for added heartiness.
Ingredients
Meat 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 & Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
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 ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Kafta: Form the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties approximately 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 for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust.
- Add Vegetables: Push the seared kafta to one side of the skillet. Arrange sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes around the meat patties.
- Season Veggies: Drizzle the vegetables lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the kafta is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors settle.
- Serve: Serve the kafta and roasted vegetables either on their own or over cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with beef or a mix of both based on preference.
- Adding cooked rice or quinoa makes the meal more complete and suitable for a main course.
- For extra flavor, marinate the kafta mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
- This dish can be prepared using just stovetop if you skip baking, but roasting enhances vegetable tenderness.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop searing to oven baking.
