The unusual combination of spices found in these Lebanese Beef Kafta pita sandwiches will have the whole family coming back for more.
Poor ground beef. It’s the vacuum cleaner of the beef world. Dependable, necessary, but not particularly glamorous. I mean, do you know anyone who goes out of their way to use their vacuum cleaner? It’s just kind of…there. We’re thankful it exists, but no one is really clamoring to be the next spokesperson for vacuums (Unless you are, and then that’s cool and not weird at all…ahem).
I think this is probably how ground beef feels. Now, the analogy may seem way off (and I’ll even admit it’s a stretch), but hear me out. Ground beef has been relegated to the world of meatloaf and casserole. It’s seen as the reliable but boring go-to for quick and budget-friendly meals. And really, that’s not a bad identity. We need budget-friendly ground beef.
But friends, I’m here to tell you, ground beef can be so much more.
Have you ever found a new attachment for your vacuum cleaner that changed everything? Or maybe a setting on your dishwasher that blew your mind? Suddenly that plain ol’ contraption was THE BEST THING EVER! For me, it was the upholstery attachment on my vacuum cleaner. It had a powerful, manly sounding whir and somehow managed to whisk pet hair right off of my sofa.
It. changed. everything.
Guys, this Beef Kafta is the upholstery attachment of ground beef. It will change the way you think about this humble freezer staple. Don’t be afraid of the unfamiliar word Kafta. It simply refers to a Lebanese style preparation for beef which includes parsley and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice. I know these may seem like a strange addition for beef, but trust me on this one. It creates the kind of flavor that will make you cock your head, raise your eyebrow, and then immediately dive back in for a second bite.
Think of Kafta as Middle Eastern meatloaf. It’s just as easy to prepare, but has a great flavor twist to brighten up your family dinners. I threaded the kafta onto skewers and grilled them, but, truthfully, the skewers were kind of a pain, and it was tough to keep the meat from falling off the skewers. Next time, I’ll simply shape them into patties and grill them like a burger or fry them in a bit of oil in a cast iron skillet.
I served these with my homemade Tabbouleh salad (but you could just as easily pick some up at the store), the creamiest hummus ever and pita bread I burnt grilled to perfection on the grill. The tahini sauce is a cinch to make and adds a nice pop of lemon. This recipe makes quite a bit, but I don’t recommend halving it because they make great leftovers! Slap some leftover beef on a grilled cheese sandwich with some horseradish sauce or crumble it over a salad the next day for an entirely new beef experience.
From stir fries to sizzlin steaks, I’ve got you covered when it comes to beef recipes. Just type “beef” in the search bar at the top of the page.
For more ideas on how to incorporate beef into your family’s menu rotation, you can also check out The Beef Checkoff’s Pinterest board and follow them on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Beef Kafta Kabobs
Ingredients
For the tahini sauce:
To serve:
Instructions
Recipe adapted from Elly Says Opa
This post is sponsored by The Beef Checkoff. All opinions are my own.
Your photos are gorgeous! I love the spices that you used. This would make the perfect dinner! Pinned!
Thank you Jennifer. I had fun photographing these!
I need this in my life and soon. Very soon.
You are exactly right! You have transported ground beef into a lovely, company worthy entree! Sounds divine!
I love ground beef! I agree it’s left out a lot isn’t it! I love the creativity you used by putting it on a skewer! I can’t wait to try it!
I’ve never tried beef this way thanks for the recipe!
It’s a very different preparation, but SO GOOD!
It’s true that ground beef can be so much more and you sure did a great job showcasing it!
Oh my heavens, that looks AMAZING!!!!!
I love kefta/kafta kebabs! This dish takes center stage when I host a Mddle Eastern themed gathering. So flavorful!
Haha…I’m laughing because I couldn’t figure out whether to call them Kefta or Kafta. I saw it both ways so I finally just went with one. Should’ve gone with the slash. 🙂
oh my gawd. . Courtney. . this dish looks SO good!!! LOVE this with your Tabbouleh salad and the hummus on a pita. . this is perfection right here.
Thanks Alice! It definitely made it to have all the side dishes with it.
Yes, please, I want some. Right now. And your leftover suggestions are great!
I love your analogy here. I agree, there’s nothing wrong with ground beef. Sure, it’s not glamorous, but it sure is tasty. Love this. Pinned.
I absolutely love Mediterranean food. The spices and flavors in your dish sound awesome! Tahini sauce is so tasty too, I have to try making my own!
The tahini sauce is so easy to make and would go well with other Mediterranean food as well!
Kafta Burgers are sooo happening at my house ASAP!
This looks incredible! And you are hysterical..yet totally right on. It’s always those little hidden treasures that end up being the greatest ever!
So true. I love when a recipe surprises you like that!
Oh, I love Beef Kafta Kabobs…and am so excited for your recipe. Yum!!!
Now when you buy the good ground beef lots of excellent stuff happens because it tastes amazing. I see this in my future.
Glad to see ground beef is so versatile! You’re correct that it’s under-appreciated.
I think that this recipe is fabulous! Everything about it, especially that you served it w tabbouli and tahini sauce.
so glad i found your blog! I’m stalking you everywhere now 😉
Thanks for visiting! Can’t wait to check out your blog!
Yum! I think I just found dinner 🙂
“this Beef Kafta is the upholstery attachment of ground beef” haha Courtney, I love you. This looks fabulous!!
Ha! Glad someone else appreciates my weird sense of humor.
This has got to be one of the strangest blog posts I’ve ever read, and I love it for that. I remember my first time making kafta, totally cringing at adding the cinnamon. But it just works! It’s mind-blowing, really!
Haha. My brain thinks up the weirdest analogies. I’ve just learned to embrace it. 🙂
LOL I love your sense of humor!! We would get along well 🙂 I love this recipe. I have been wanting to give it a try but the Mr has been hesitant. I will just tell him to step aside and let me get down to work!!