Seared Beef Kafta with Sumac and Pine Nuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy spiced beef kafta patties infused with sumac and toasted pine nuts, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground beef, pine nuts, small, finely grated onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, the toasted pine nuts, 1 small finely grated onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tsp sumac, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined without overworking.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 6 oval patties, about 3 inches long and 1/2-inch thick.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
  5. Step 5: While the kafta cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced small garlic clove to make a tangy yogurt sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot kafta patties with the yogurt sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Beef Kafta with Sumac and Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Seared Beef Kafta with Sumac and Pine Nuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Beef Kafta with Sumac and Pine Nuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Seared Beef Kafta with Sumac and Pine Nuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Seared Beef Kafta with Sumac and Pine Nuts?

Middle Eastern beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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