Moroccan Kefta - Easy Seasoned Ground Beef Recipe

Get ready to treat your taste buds to a flavor adventure with Moroccan Kefta Kabobs! This isn't just any seasoned ground beef recipe; it's a beloved Moroccan street food that’s packed with incredible taste and surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a grilling guru or just looking for a simple weeknight meal, these juicy meat skewers recipes are sure to become a new favorite. The secret? A vibrant moroccan spice blend and fresh herbs that transform humble ground meat into something truly special. We'll show you how to nail those perfect kabobs on the grill, or even cook them indoors, ensuring every bite is bursting with authentic moroccan cooking spices and deliciousness!

Ingredients

• For the Kefta Meat Mixture:
• 500g (1 lb) ground meat (beef or lamb, or a mix)
• 1 small onion, very finely chopped or grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
• For the Spices:
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2–1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• For Cooking:
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if making kebabs)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat : In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, black pepper), finely chopped fresh parsley, fresh coriander, and finely chopped onion. Mix everything together really well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. For the absolute best flavor, aim for up to 1 hour!
2. Shape the Kefta : Once marinated, take portions of the meat mixture and form them into either small, flattened patties (like mini burgers) or thread them onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
3. Cook the Kefta :
   1. Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kefta skewers or patties on the hot grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the meat is beautifully browned and cooked through to your liking.
   2. Pan-frying: If you're cooking indoors, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the kefta patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until they're nicely browned and cooked through.
   3. Broiling: For another indoor option, preheat your broiler. Arrange the kefta patties on a wire rack placed over a foil-lined sheet pan. Broil for 10-15 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly.
4. Serve : Once cooked, serve your delicious kefta immediately. They're fantastic with warm Moroccan bread, a crisp fresh salad, or tucked into a pita for a mouthwatering sandwich. Enjoy!