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Kafta bil Sanieh Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

Kafta bil Sanieh is a traditional Lebanese baked meat casserole featuring layers of spiced ground beef patties, sliced potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices and hearty vegetables baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Kafta Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (10-15% fat)
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 1 parsley bunch, stems removed (about 1.5–2 cups parsley leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables

  • 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch circles
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced into circles
  • 1 white onion, sliced into circles

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup water (for thinning tomato paste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Kafta Mixture: In a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, add parsley, halved onion, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add ground beef, ground allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper. Mix well by hand until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Shape Kafta Patties: Take heaping 1-2 tablespoon portions of the kafta mixture and shape each into a thin patty. Ensure the patties are not too thick so they cook evenly. Arrange all patties on a plate and set aside.
  3. Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the peeled and sliced potatoes in a single layer on the sheet and drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove and set aside.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray. In the dish, layer the ingredients vertically: start with one kafta patty, followed by one slice of onion, two slices of potato, then one slice of tomato. Repeat this pattern until all ingredients are used.
  5. Prepare Sauce and Bake: In a measuring cup, thin the tomato paste with 1 cup of water. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Then, pour the tomato sauce over the dish ensuring all ingredients are coated. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the kafta is fully cooked through.
  6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot, ideally accompanied by Lebanese rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your traditional Kafta bil Sanieh!

Notes

  • Shape kafta patties thin to ensure even cooking through.
  • Flipping potatoes halfway through baking ensures they cook evenly and develop a nice texture.
  • If desired, parsley can be substituted with cilantro for a different flavor profile.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of Lebanese rice or a fresh salad.

Keywords: Kafta bil Sanieh, Lebanese kafta, baked kafta, Lebanese casserole, ground beef casserole, Middle Eastern cuisine

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/kafta-bil-sanieh-recipe/