If you love Middle Eastern flavors and crave a comforting, shareable meal, this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Juicy, warmly spiced beef koftas are nestled in a rich tomato sauce, then finished with a tangy yogurt drizzle for contrast, making every bite a celebration of color, aroma, and taste. This dish pairs the cozy spirit of a family casserole with the bold, aromatic spices that make kofta so beloved, and it’s wonderfully easy to pull together for both weeknights and special get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is how each ingredient does a little heavy lifting, bringing big flavors and fabulous textures without any fuss. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need, and why each element truly matters to the final dish.
- Ground beef (85% lean): This is the heart of the kofta—the richness ensures the koftas stay moist and flavorful when baked.
- Onion, grated: Grating helps it blend right into the meat, adding sweetness, moisture, and extra savory notes.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for that deep, savory aroma everyone associates with Mediterranean classics.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds bright color and refreshing flavor that lightens the beef beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Warm, earthy, and a little smoky, cumin is a key kofta spice you don’t want to skip.
- Ground coriander: Lends a subtle citrusy complexity that really perks up the meat mixture.
- Paprika: This provides both gentle warmth and that gorgeous reddish hue.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a hint brings aromatic depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Ground allspice: Delivers that classic Middle Eastern flavor with notes of clove and nutmeg.
- Salt and black pepper: Crucial for seasoning and balancing all the heady spices.
- Olive oil: Used for browning and sautéing—it imparts subtle fruitiness and helps keep everything luscious.
- Onion and garlic (for the sauce): Build the foundations of your cozy tomato sauce with more aromatics.
- Crushed tomatoes: Bring tangy sweetness, rich color, and a perfect backdrop for the savory kofta.
- Cumin and paprika (for the sauce): Echo the spices in the kofta, ensuring harmonious flavors throughout.
- Salt and pepper (for the sauce): Finish the tomato sauce with just the right amount of seasoning.
- Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and tahini (optional; for topping): Whisked into a creamy, cool drizzle that tames spices and adds extra pizzazz.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a vibrant, inviting finish to your casserole right before serving.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy fork to mix everything just until combined—try not to overmix, as this keeps the koftas tender and juicy. The aroma as you mix is the first sign you’re in for something special with this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe!
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Koftas
Shape the mixture into oval patties—aim for about 8 to 10 koftas for best results. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the koftas on all sides, working in batches if necessary, for about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step is key for flavor, locking in the juices and building that irresistible golden crust.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
No need to wipe out your skillet! Add another drizzle of olive oil if needed, then sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re tender and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Arrange the browned koftas in a baking dish, then carefully pour the hot tomato sauce over them. Cover the baking dish with foil—this helps everything stay moist while baking. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, letting all those wonderful flavors soak right into the koftas.
Step 5: Make the Yogurt Topping and Garnish
Right before the koftas are done, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and tahini (if using) in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. When you pull the kofta bake from the oven, drizzle generously with your yogurt sauce and scatter fresh parsley on top for a restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe gets a lovely lift from that finishing touch of creamy yogurt sauce, a few extra parsley leaves, and even a dusting of sumac or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts if you want to be extra fancy. Garnishing brings fresh color and zip—invite your guests to add their favorites right at the table!
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair your baked kofta with fluffy basmati rice, buttered couscous, or a warm stack of pita bread ready for scooping up sauce. A crisp chopped salad with cucumber, tomato, and mint makes a perfect fresh contrast to the hearty koftas, balancing the warmth of the spices with a cooling crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping party platter, nestle the koftas in the sauce on a large platter, drizzle with the yogurt sauce, and surround with small bowls of olives, pickles, and hummus. Or try tucking leftovers in pita with greens and extra sauce for a dynamite lunch wrap. However you serve it, this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is a treat for lunch the next day. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer any extra koftas and sauce into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bake freezes well! Simply portion the koftas and sauce into freezer-safe containers once fully cooled. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the koftas and sauce in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or use the microwave for a quick lunchtime solution. If reheating with the yogurt sauce, add it fresh just before serving for the creamiest texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is quite versatile—ground lamb will add an extra-rich, slightly gamey flavor, while ground turkey creates a leaner, lighter version. Just be sure to watch the meat as it cooks, since leaner proteins may dry out faster.
Is the yogurt-tahini sauce necessary?
You can definitely leave out the tahini if it’s not your thing or if you have allergies—the yogurt and lemon are enough to make a wonderful, tangy topping. The sauce is optional but highly recommended to balance the spices and add a cooling component.
Can I prep Beef Kofta Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepping ahead is actually a great idea! Shape the koftas and mix the sauce a day in advance, then store separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply assemble, bake, and finish with your yogurt drizzle and garnishes.
What’s the best way to grate the onion for the kofta?
Using the fine side of a box grater works perfectly—just watch your fingers! Grated onion ensures the pieces blend into the beef, keeping your koftas moist and preventing a harsh raw onion bite.
How spicy is this dish?
The Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is flavorful but mild as written; the aromatic spices are more about warmth than heat. If you love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the beef mixture for extra warmth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about serving a bubbling, aromatic casserole straight from the oven, and this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe captures that feeling with every bite. I’d love for you to give it a try—once you taste those juicy koftas with their rich sauce and creamy yogurt finish, I’m certain it’ll find a spot at your table again and again!
Print
Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Kofta Bake recipe is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that features flavorful ground beef koftas baked in a spiced tomato sauce, topped with a tangy yogurt sauce. A delicious and satisfying main course option for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Koftas:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Form into koftas and brown in a skillet.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then pour over koftas in a baking dish.
- Bake the Koftas: Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Make Yogurt Sauce: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and tahini. Drizzle over baked koftas and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Serve with rice, couscous, or warm pita.
- You can prepare the koftas and sauce ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
