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Baked kafta (Kafta bilSaniyeh)
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Baked Kafta (Kafta bil Saniyeh)

Baked Kafta (Kafta bil Saniyeh) is a comforting Lebanese dish made with ground beef, fresh herbs, and spices, layered with vegetables and baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and loved by families across Lebanon. Served with fluffy vermicelli rice or warm pita bread, this dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and the taste of home to every bite.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword baked kafta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 5 People

Ingredients

For the Meat:

  • ½ kg ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp 7 spice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 sweet pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 2 potatoes
  • 1 tomato or a handful of cherry tomatoes

For the sauce

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tomatoes crushed or shredded
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp pepper paste optional
  • ½ tsp 7 spice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For Cooking:
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix the ground beef with chopped parsley, chopped onion, and spices.
  • Shape the meat into small pieces — round or long, depending on your preference — and arrange them in a baking tray, leaving some space between each piece.
  • Cut the vegetables into your desired shape (avoid cutting them too large — smaller pieces will cook softer).
  • Place the vegetables in between the kafta pieces.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) until the meat is cooked and the vegetables turn golden.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing water, tomato paste, pepper paste (if using), shredded tomatoes, salt, pepper, and 7 spice.
  • Once the vegetables have some color, remove the tray from the oven and pour the sauce evenly over the kafta. Return it to the oven and bake at 450°F (230°C) for about 20–30 minutes — less time for a runnier sauce, more time for a thicker consistency.
  • Remove from the oven and serve hot with vermicelli rice.

Notes

  • You can use a mix of beef and lamb for richer flavor.
  • Adjust spices to your taste — more 7 spice for extra warmth or pepper paste for a slight kick.
  • Smaller vegetable pieces cook faster and absorb more flavor.
  • This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • Serve with vermicelli rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.