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.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You will love this insanely easy recipe for meat on a stick! 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!
I created this 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.
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 more a more complete meal.
A friend of mine was giving me shit recently for not sharing more Greek recipes. 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!
Ingredients for Greek Beef Kafta Kabbos
Organic Prairie 90% Lean Ground Beef
Organic Yellow Onion
Organic Lemon
Frontier Co-Op Organic Black Pepper
Spice World Organic Minced Garlic
Frontier Co-Op Organic Oregano
Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Organic Cucumbers
Organic Grape Tomatoes
Organic Kalamata Olives
Tips for Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs
• 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 Homemade Healthy Tzatziki Sauce.
Why go organic?
You may be wondering why I push organic ingredients for everything, even savory and healthy dishes. Organic ingredients go beyond just health and wellness, and contribute so much to the taste and flavor of a recipe. So, if you think that you're making something healthy and buying fruits, veggies, or meats so maybe you don't need to spend the extra to go organic here – let me sway your thinking.
Organic ingredients are made in a more pure way, therefore using no additives, no GMOs, and minimal ingredients. This really allows the true ingredients to shine – and because of that their flavor shines through. Therefore, organic ingredients are more flavorful than their non organic counterparts. So, just because it's already a healthy recipe, or you're already buying good for you ingredients – it doesn't mean you can skip organic! Trust me here, and make the switch. Your body and your taste buds will thank you!
So, I highly recommend that you buy the best organic ingredients for this recipe! You can also shop my Amazon Storefront for all my favorite organic ingredients here. Tip – hover over each ingredient to see the name. And if you want to learn more about organic foods and the difference, read my post here on Food Labels and What They Mean.
This simple recipe for homemade Greek Beef Kafta Kabobs is a healthy appetizer or dinner!
Ingredients
1 pound Organic Prairie 90% Lean Ground Beef
1/4 cup organic diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon organic lemon juice
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 teaspoon organic black pepper
1 teaspoon organic minced garlic
1 teaspoon organic dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon organic dried thyme
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
Organic Hummus, for serving
Organic Cucumbers, for serving
Organic Cherry Tomatoes, for serving
Organic Kalamata Olives, for serving
Organic Bagel Chips or crackers (optional)
Directions
- 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
- High Altitude – Follow the recipe as noted.
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