Name: Kafta Bi Bandora
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488394H24M31S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, lamb, or a mix of both; 1 medium onion, grated; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3–4 medium tomatoes, sliced or diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup water; 2 tbsp olive oil; Optional: 1–2 thinly sliced potatoes or 1 bell pepper, sliced

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kafta Bi Bandora is satisfying, flavorful, and comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients. The juicy kafta soaks up the robust tomato sauce, creating an incredibly tender and mouthwatering meal. It’s also a one-pan dish—great for weeknight dinners and even better as leftovers. You can prepare the kafta ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
Onion (grated or finely minced)
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Ground allspice
Ground cinnamon
Ground black pepper
Salt
Tomatoes (sliced or diced)
Tomato paste
Olive oil
Water
Optional: sliced potatoes or bell peppers for layering

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Shape the kafta mixture into small oval patties or logs and place them in a baking dish.
Layer sliced tomatoes (and potatoes or bell peppers, if using) over the kafta.
In a separate bowl, mix tomato paste with water and a bit of olive oil to create a pourable sauce. Adjust salt to taste.
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the kafta and vegetables.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce is thickened and kafta is fully cooked.
Serve hot over rice or with warm pita bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped green chili to the kafta mixture.
With Potatoes: Add thinly sliced potatoes under or on top of the kafta for a more filling meal.
Vegetable Boost: Include sliced zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers in the layering.
Grilled Option: Grill the kafta patties first for extra smokiness before baking in the sauce.
Meat Substitutes: Use ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is kafta?

Kafta is a Middle Eastern meat mixture made with ground beef or lamb, onions, parsley, and spices, commonly shaped into patties or skewers.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Just adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Is it necessary to use tomato paste?

Tomato paste helps thicken and deepen the flavor of the sauce, but you can use tomato purée in a pinch.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can shape the kafta and store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best meat for kafta?

A mix of beef and lamb offers the richest flavor, but either one alone works great too.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes. After shaping the kafta, brown them in a skillet, add the sauce and simmer covered until fully cooked.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is gluten-free as long as you don’t add any breadcrumbs or fillers.

Why does my kafta shrink in the oven?

Like all ground meat, kafta can shrink slightly due to fat content. Using lean meat reduces shrinkage but may yield a drier result.

Should I drain the kafta before adding the sauce?

If a lot of liquid or fat releases during baking, you can spoon some off before adding the tomato sauce, but it’s not necessary.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just use a larger baking dish or two pans and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Kafta Bi Bandora is a timeless, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of the Middle East to your dinner table. Its rich aroma, tender texture, and soul-satisfying taste make it a favorite for both everyday meals and special gatherings. With its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s a delicious way to enjoy traditional flavors any night of the week