Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs
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Kaftas are a Lebanese meatball skewer typically made with lean ground beef. I added in Greek spices here including oregano, thyme, and garlic and topped these Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs with grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives.
If you’re looking for more Greek inspired recipes, check out my Greek Avocado Toast, Chicken Sausage Greek Salad, or my Cinnamon Pecan YiaYia Cookies.
A friend of mine was giving me shit recently for not sharing a Greek recipe lately. We are both Greek and grew up in the same exact neighborhood in Chicago – only to meet when he knocked on my window at the bake shop during Covid just a couple years ago. But, it’s funny how those things happen.
And he’s absolutely right that I don’t share enough Greek recipes on my site! While there are some, there is truly not enough and I make plenty of Greek dishes! So, I’m going to change that. If you have any Greek recipe requests, send them my way. But I have a lot planned already that I know you will love! So, sharing this one for Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs today.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Meat on a Stick: You will love this insanely easy recipe for organic kabobs! There is nothing better than a simple recipe that’s healthy and delicious. And this recipe for Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s meat on a stick!
Lean Beef: I created this Greek recipe with my friends at Organic Prairie using their 90% Lean Organic Ground Beef. Traditionally, beef kaftas are a Lebanese meatball skewer. But, I added some Greek spices here and topped with them cucumber, grape tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to give them a Greek spin.
Healthy: I serve these Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs with my Lemon Tahini Hummus for a simple appetizer or dinner that is healthy, filling, and so tasty! If you’re looking to make these into more of a meal, you can add pita, rice, or fresh bread to these organic kabobs.
Organic Kabobs: While you can buy premade kabobs at the grocery store meat counter, it's so easy to make them at home with simple organic ingredients!
Ingredients & Health Benefits
- Ground Beef: I use Organic Prairie 90% Lean Ground Beef for these organic kabobs. Lean meat is best for these, which is why I use 90%.
- Yellow Onion: Onions provide flavor in these organic kabobs, plus they are loaded with anitoxidants.
- Salt and Pepper: You'll need for flavor.
- Lemon: This adds zesty flavor to this Greek recipe. They also provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and more.
- Garlic: Organic garlic is a staple in the Mediterranean culture. It's antibacterial, antimicrobial, and full of antioxidants and flavor! You can use minced garlic from a jar, or fresh cloves and mince them up, either works.
- Oregano: I use organic dried oregano. This spice is common in Greek recipes and provides flavor. It also is antibacterial and full of antioxidants.
- Thyme: I use organic dried thyme as it has more flavor than fresh, it's also easier to have. onhand all the time. Thyme has antioxidants and can support digestive health.
- EVOO: This is an anti inflammatory oil and a healthy fat. I use this to grease the skillet so the kabobs don't stick.
- Grape Tomatoes: I serve these with organic grape tomatoes. These have lycopene, vitamin K, fiber and cancer fighting properties.
- Kalamata Olives: These are Greek olives, which are the best to bring that Mediterranean flavor to dishes. I prefer to buy them already pitted for ease. Packed with vitamin E and healthy fats, these give this dish saltiness and bold flavor.
- Cucumbers: Organic cucumbers have vitamin C, potassium, and more. They also bring a lightness to this when paired with the beef, which I love!
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Tools Needed
- Mixing Bowl: You'll need a large mixing bowl to mix up the beef and spices for these organic kabobs.
- Cast Iron Grill Pan: I use a cast iron grill pan for this Greek recipe so you can easily make this all year round. But, if it's grilling season, feel free to make these on the grill!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, diced onion, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Mix together until combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 2
Divide the meat into 8 portions. Using your hands form each portion into an oblong shape about 1-inch thick. Wrap the meat around a 6-inch skewer. Place on a plate and continue with the rest of the meat.
Step 3
In a large grill pan, or on the grill, heat to medium/high. Add the olive oil to coat the pan.
Step 4
Place the kabobs onto the grill pan and sear, cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, rotating every few minutes to ensure even cooking and grill marks on each side. Serve with hummus, chopped cucumbers, Cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
Tips
- You can soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. However, I didn’t do this here and I didn’t have any problems. But, if you do notice skewers are burning, this is a great trick!
- I used 6-inch skewers. If you want to use larger ones, you can do that and get 4 total instead of 8 total skewers. If using larger ones, it may be easier to form the meat into the middle of the skewer, leaving skewer on each side.
- I found it's easiest to create the oblong shape of meat first and place it on a platter. Place the skewer into the middle and form the meat around it.
- You can make these on the grill or in a cast iron skillet. Either way will work! I used a grill cast iron pan, which was super easy.
- You can add feta on top of these as well, it’s totally delicious this way!
- You can also serve these with my Organic Tzatziki Sauce.
FAQ's
Yes, if that's all you have, you can totally use that! Traditionally, this type of recipe is made with a leaner beef, but this type will work too.
No, you don't have to. I didn't do it for this recipe, but I shot these when I made them inside in my grill pan. If you make these on the grill, the heat is not as controlled, so the the skewers could burn easier. But, if you don't mind and are feeling lazy, then no worries, don't soak them!
I love serving these with my Organic Tzatziki Sauce or my Lemon Tahini Hummus for light Greek inspired dinner. You could also serve these as an appetizer to my Chicken Sausage Greek Salad.
Craving More?
Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs
Equipment
- Cast Iron Grill Pan (or cast iron skillet)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Organic Prairie 90% Lean Ground Beef
- ¼ cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon Tahini Hummus (for serving)
- Cucumber (for serving)
- Cherry Tomatoes (for serving)
- Kalamata Olives (for serving)
- Bagel Chips or Crackers (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, diced onion, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Mix together until combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
- Divide the meat into 8 portions. Using your hands form each portion into an oblong shape about 1-inch thick. Wrap the meat around a 6-inch skewer. Place on a plate and continue with the rest of the meat.
- In a large grill pan, or on the grill, heat to medium/high. Add the olive oil to coat the pan.
- Place the kabobs onto the grill pan and sear, cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, rotating every few minutes to ensure even cooking and grill marks on each side.
- Serve with hummus, chopped cucumbers, Cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
Notes
Nutrition
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So easy and delicious