Easy Moroccan Kefta (Ground Beef) Kebab Recipe

Looking for a delicious, budget-friendly ground beef kebab recipe that will transport you to your favorite vacation spot?

Imagine yourself on a Mediterranean beach or walking through the streets of Marrakesh or Fez – all while enjoying a delicious ground beef kebab right at home. With our kefta kebab recipe, you can bring any destination to your kitchen.

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Our Moroccan Kefta Kebab is inspired by the flavors of  North Africa and is perfect for your next cookout, backyard party, or summer BBQ. Traditionally, kefta is made with a combination of ground lamb and beef.  We’re just using ground beef for a more budget-friendly dinner option.

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. The beef is seasoned with a flavorful spice blend that includes cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. This combination of spices and other ingredients will make your taste buds jump for joy. You’ll also love how easy this recipe is to follow – and how amazing the results are.

Morrocan Kefta Kebabs

Kefta, which means pounded meat, is typically served with a flavorful garlic yogurt sauce. We love to serve ours with grilled veggies,  fresh tomatoes or cucumbers, and pickled red onions.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy ground beef recipe, this Moroccan Kefta Kebab is it! These are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for your next cookout or barbecue. 

What’s the difference between beef skewers and shish kebabs?

Shish kebabs are a type of skewer that originated in Turkey and consist of small pieces of meat (usually lamb or chicken) that are threaded onto a metal or wooden skewer. The meat is then grilled over hot coals, resulting in a delicious and flavorful dish.

Beef skewers, on the other hand, are simply skewers that are made with beef. There is no particular cooking method or style associated with beef skewers – they can be grilled, baked, or even cooked in a pan on the stovetop.

So, whether you call them beef skewers or shish kebabs, our ground beef kebab recipe is sure to please. So, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Kebabs

• 1 pound ground beef (75% or 80% lean meat) 
• 1 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped or grated
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Plus 

• 10 metal or bamboo Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes )
• Cooking oil for the grill

How Do You Make Beef Shish Kebabs?

1. Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to combine.
2. If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes.
3. Once you’re ready to assemble your skewers, brush the grill or grill pan with oil and preheat to medium-high heat. This will prevent the meat from sticking and falling off the wood or metal skewer when turning. Cooking spray also works.
4. To create these skewers, first, divide the meat mixture into 10 equal portions.
5. Shape each portion into oblong patties (imagine a squashed sausage shape.)
6. Skewer the meat and squeeze gently to ensure it holds to the skewer. I find I get the best results with this by placing the skewers on a cookie sheet and pressing the meat down there.
7. Cook skewers on preheated grill or grill pan for about 5 minutes on each side. Note: depending on how thin/thick your meat mixture is, cooking time may vary slightly.
8. When cooked through, remove from heat and serve with garlic yogurt or tzatziki sauce.

Recipe Substitutions

Different proteins – The original version of these kebobs calls for a mixture of lamb and ground beef. You can use all beef like we do here or any mixture of ground meat like ground turkey or chicken.

Lean Ground Beef – If you prefer to use leaner ground beef than 75% or 80% lean ground beef, you can. Just be aware that the kebabs may not be as moist and juicy.

No Skewers? If you don’t have skewers on hand, you can also cook these ground beef patties in a pan on the stovetop. Just heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 minutes on each side.

Different spices – To vary the recipe, try adding in 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper,  or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the spice blend.

Fresh herbs – If you don’t have or want to use cilantro and parsley, you could also use fresh mint leaves. You can also use dried herbs but use about a third to half of the amount called for in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kefta mean?

Kefta is a type of ground meat dish that originated in Morocco. The word “kefta” comes from the Arabic word for “to pound”, which refers to the way the meat is traditionally prepared.

How do you keep the meat from falling off the skewer?

There are a few things you can do to prevent the meat from falling off the skewer. First, make sure the meat is well-seasoned and the skewers are soaked in water (if using wooden skewers). Secondly, gently squeeze the meat mixture onto the skewer so that it’s compacted and won’t slip off easily.  Finally, cook the skewers over medium-high heat so that the outside of the meat has a chance to brown and create a seal around the skewer.

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What do you serve with kebobs?

You can serve these beef kebobs with a garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki sauce,  grilled vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes,  khobz or naan bread, fresh vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers, rice pilaf,  couscous, etc.

Can I make these Moroccan beef kebabs ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just mix all the ingredients together, per the recipe instructions. Then, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, remove them from the fridge, assemble the skewers, and cook as directed.

Can you add veggies to the skewers?

Absolutely! You can add whatever vegetables you like to these skewers. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the beef. Popular choices include zucchini, onion, and peppers.

You can also create separate vegetable skewers and cook them alongside the beef skewers.

How long will kebabs keep?

You can refrigerate and store leftover kebabs in an airtight container or sealed storage bag for up to four days.

This easy recipe for Middle Eastern kebabs is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Seasoned with a simple Mediterranean spice blend, these skewers are grilled to perfection on a charcoal or gas grill. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as is!