Imagine a world where rich flavors, vibrant spices, and hearty portions come together to create a culinary experience like no other. Welcome to the world of Middle Eastern cuisine, where the art of cooking meets the passion of sharing meals with loved ones. In this region, beef is a staple protein that’s often elevated by bold seasonings and aromatic spices, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and exotic.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 flavorful Middle Eastern beef recipes that will transport your taste buds to the bustling souks and cozy cafes of this vibrant region. From classic kebabs and shawarma to rich stews and savory pilafs, each recipe is a testament to the region’s incredible culinary diversity. So grab a plate, gather some friends, and get ready to indulge in the bold flavors and warm hospitality of Middle Eastern cuisine!
Spiced Beef Kofta Kebabs
Spiced Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe
A flavorful twist on traditional kebabs, these Spiced Beef Kofta Kebabs combine the richness of beef with a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 500g minced beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine minced beef, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 10-12 portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to form a kofta.
4. Thread the koftas onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each kebab.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Beef Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
This classic Middle Eastern street food recipe combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy garlic sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef (such as sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 4 pita breads
– Garlic Sauce (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the beef strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the beef for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, grill the onion and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
5. Warm the pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating on the grill for a few minutes.
6. Assemble the shawarma by placing the beef, vegetables, and garlic sauce onto the pita bread.
Garlic Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Middle Eastern Beef and Rice Pilaf
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of spices. This hearty pilaf is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add cooked rice, broth, tomato paste, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Eggplant Moussaka
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish that combines tender beef, rich eggplant, and creamy béchamel sauce. This Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe is a twist on the original, adding juicy ground beef to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup béchamel sauce (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. In a separate skillet, cook eggplant slices until tender and lightly browned.
4. Assemble the moussaka by layering cooked beef, eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese and béchamel sauce.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Béchamel Sauce:
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– Salt to taste
Combine butter, flour, and milk in a saucepan, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
Grilled Beef Kabobs with Sumac Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful recipe that combines tender beef and a tangy sumac marinade. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons sumac powder
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, sumac powder, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Add the beef cubes to the marinade and mix until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Beef and Chickpea Stew
This comforting stew combines tender beef, creamy chickpeas, and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With minimal prep work, this recipe is quick to assemble and cooks in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef cubes (chuck or round)
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, and carrots; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas, broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Under 1 hour
Middle Eastern Beef Stuffed Grape Leaves
This classic Middle Eastern dish, known as “Dolma,” is a flavorful and aromatic treat that combines tender grape leaves with a savory beef filling. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 20-25 grape leaves (fresh or jarred)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay grape leaves flat on a surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of each leaf.
4. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat package. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Place stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until grape leaves are tender and filling is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Beef and Spinach Fatayer
Fatayers are Middle Eastern savory pastries that are perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll fill flaky phyllo dough with a delicious mixture of ground beef, spinach, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or triangles).
6. Brush the edges of each piece with olive oil and place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto the center of each piece.
7. Fold the pastry to form a triangle or square shape, pressing the edges together to seal.
8. Place the fatayers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Beef Kibbeh
A flavorful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish, this spicy beef kibbeh is perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals. Ground beef, spices, and crispy breadcrumbs come together to create a savory and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add breadcrumbs and mix until just combined.
4. Divide mixture into small balls, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
5. Place kibbeh on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Lentil Mujadara
Mujadara, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, is a flavorful and nutritious combination of lentils, beef, and onions. This recipe adds a twist by incorporating tender beef strips into the classic lentil stew.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the lentils, water or broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Add the beef strips to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the beef is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Beef and Tomato Shakshuka
Shakshuka, a North African staple, gets a hearty boost with the addition of tender beef and juicy tomatoes. This flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and diced tomatoes; stir to combine.
5. Create wells in the mixture and crack in 2 eggs.
6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until eggs are set.
7. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Middle Eastern Beef Pita Sandwiches
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with these tender beef pita sandwiches, packed with juicy lamb, crispy sumac-spiced onions, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 4 pita breads
– Sumac-spiced onions (see note)
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickled turnips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Mix beef with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast pita breads.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading tzatziki sauce on each pita, followed by a beef patty, sumac-spiced onions, and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Note: To make sumac-spiced onions, mix 1/2 cup chopped onion with 1 tsp ground sumac and 1/4 tsp salt. Let sit for 30 minutes before using.
Beef and Bulgur Tabbouleh
This Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines the nutty flavor of bulgur with tender beef and fresh herbs, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked bulgur
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook bulgur according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add garlic, parsley, scallions, and lemon juice to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Stir in cooked bulgur and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Yogurt Kebab Wrap
Experience the perfect blend of flavors with this juicy beef and yogurt kebab wrap recipe. Tender beef, creamy yogurt, and crunchy veggies come together to create a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 4-6 whole wheat pita breads
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add beef strips to the marinade and mix well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper onto skewers.
5. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating on the grill for 2-3 minutes.
7. Assemble wraps by placing a few kebab pieces onto each pita with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Herb Meatballs in Tahini Sauce
Elevate your meatball game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines tender beef, fresh herbs, and creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup tahini sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, heat tahini sauce and chicken broth in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth.
6. Serve warm meatballs with warmed tahini sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef and Apricot Tagine
Discover the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this aromatic Beef and Apricot Tagine recipe. This slow-cooked stew combines tender beef, sweet apricots, and a blend of spices to create a truly exotic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, then set aside.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add apricots, browned beef, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Middle Eastern Beef and Hummus Platter
Elevate your gatherings with this flavorful and vibrant platter featuring tender beef skewers served atop creamy hummus, crunchy vegetables, and warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas (for hummus)
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Pita bread, sliced into wedges
– Crudités (carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. Add beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill beef for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing into thin strips.
4. For hummus, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor until smooth.
5. Arrange platter with sliced beef, pita bread, and crudités. Serve hummus on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Pomegranate Molasses Glaze
Elevate your beef dishes with the sweet and tangy flavor of pomegranate molasses. This glaze is perfect for grilled or roasted beef, adding a depth of flavor and a pop of color to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 pound beef (such as flank steak or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, soy sauce, brown sugar, and olive oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the glaze and whisk until combined.
3. Place the beef slices in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the glaze over the beef, turning to coat evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove beef from the glaze and cook according to your preference.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (grilled) or 20-25 minutes (roasted)
Beef and Pine Nut Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on a classic recipe, this dish combines tender beef, crunchy pine nuts, and sweet bell peppers for a deliciously savory meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup cooked rice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add cooked rice, parsley, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture, filling to the top.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Beef and Za’atar Spiced Flatbread
A flavorful and aromatic flatbread infused with the bold flavors of beef, za’atar, and spices, perfect for a quick snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup beef broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked beef (such as gyro meat or roast beef)
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add olive oil and warmed beef broth, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Sprinkle za’atar spice blend and crumbled cooked beef evenly over the dough.
6. Fold the dough in half, then fold again to form a triangle or square shape.
7. Cook on a preheated baking stone or baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Discover the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with these 20 mouthwatering beef recipes! From classic dishes like Shawarma and Kofta Kebabs, to innovative twists on traditional favorites like Beef and Eggplant Moussaka and Beef and Lentil Mujadara. These recipes showcase the region’s love for bold spices, aromatic herbs, and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a flavorful stew, a savory sandwich, or a show-stopping main course, this collection has something for everyone.
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