If you’re searching for a vibrant, comforting dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East right to your table, you have to try this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe! Imagine juicy spiced meatballs nestled in a rich tomato sauce, bubbling and aromatic, perfect for scooping up with warm flatbread or letting the tender koftas melt into fluffy rice. This crowd-pleaser is just as lovely for a weeknight family dinner as it is for a laid-back gathering with friends—delivering both soul-soothing coziness and impressive bursts of herby, savory flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, supermarket-friendly ingredients build up the layers of flavor, color, and texture in this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe. Each element, from the ground beef to the finishing spices, plays its own unforgettable role in the finished dish.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): Go for an 85% lean blend for juicy, flavorful koftas that don’t dry out during baking.
- Grated onion (1/2 small): The grated onion keeps the meatballs tender and extra moist.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that punch of aromatic depth—don’t skimp!
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, grassy flavor and a flash of green to the mix.
- Fresh mint (2 tablespoons, optional): Brings a cool, surprising lift—highly recommended if you love a herby touch.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Infuses the meatballs and sauce with an earthy, warm base note.
- Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Lends a bright, citrusy undertone that balances the richness of the beef.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to add sweetness and complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes deep color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of all the ingredients—don’t under-season!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat and aroma in every bite.
- Egg (1): Acts as the binder that keeps your koftas together.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Lightens up the texture, ensuring tender meatballs.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing onion and garlic in the tomato sauce; adds smooth richness.
- Chopped onion (1 small): Sets up a flavorful, sweet base for your tomato sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For another layer of boldness in the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (15-ounce can): The juicy, savory heart of your sauce—opt for good quality if you can.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on the earthy, spiced profile.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the warmth of the sauce—surprisingly balanced with the tomatoes!
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the color and flavor in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season your sauce until the flavors pop.
- Pinch of sugar (optional): A little pinch mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combining the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, mint (if using), cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands for this—gentle mixing is key to keeping the koftas tender and juicy. Mold everything together just until the mixture is cohesive; overmixing will make the meatballs tough, and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Shape the Koftas
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into small, oval meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Laying them in a lightly greased baking dish as you go, try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. The oval, elongated shape is classic for kofta, adding a touch of authenticity (and fun presentation) to your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
Set a saucepan over medium heat and add your olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and sweet, which takes about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it get fragrant—careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, pepper, and that optional pinch of sugar, stirring well. Simmer for around ten minutes; the sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deep, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the tomato sauce over the koftas in the baking dish, ensuring each meatball gets a generous coating. Cover the dish snugly with foil and slide it into your 375°F oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and give them another 10 to 15 minutes in the oven for a little extra color and caramelization. By now, your kitchen will smell absolutely dreamy!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the koftas are cooked through with a gorgeous, slightly browned top, pull them out and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe hot from the oven, ready to lap up with fluffy rice, soft couscous, or warm flatbread. Don’t forget a shower of fresh herbs or a dollop of tangy yogurt for the finishing touch!
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really give your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe that restaurant-worthy wow factor! Sprinkle over a big handful of chopped fresh parsley or mint for a bright, herbaceous finish. A spoonful of cool, creamy yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce adds decadence and a perfect flavor contrast. If you’re feeling extra, a pinch of sumac or toasted pine nuts takes things to another level.
Side Dishes
This dish is divine when paired with fluffy basmati rice, but it’s equally delightful scooped up with warm pita, lavash, or naan. For something extra, serve with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, tangy pickles, or a bowl of garlicky hummus. The beauty of the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is how versatile it is with sides—whatever you pair it with, the flavors truly sing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, try baking the koftas in individual ramekins for adorable personal servings. Or, go family-style and serve straight from the baking dish with a big spoon for everyone to dig in, rustic-style. If you want a lighter presentation, pile saucy koftas onto a bed of greens and top with a flurry of fresh herbs for a vibrant salad-inspired take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Kofta Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so your koftas might taste even better the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for future emergencies or meal planning. Cool the baked koftas and sauce completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep for 2 to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the koftas moist and tender.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe again, gently reheat in the oven, covered, at 350°F until warmed through. A splash of water or extra tomato sauce helps guard against drying out if your koftas seem a bit dense from refrigeration. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, covered, on medium power in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lamb is traditional in many kofta dishes and brings a slightly richer, gamey flavor that’s wonderful paired with the warm spices. You can also use a 50/50 blend of beef and lamb for a more balanced flavor profile.
Do I need to use fresh herbs, or can I substitute dried?
Fresh herbs really liven up the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe, but in a pinch, you can substitute dried parsley and mint. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs since their flavors are more concentrated, and try to add fresh herbs right before serving if possible for a burst of color and aroma.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative or even use cooked rice or finely ground oats instead. Just keep an eye on the texture of the mixture, as some crumb substitutes absorb more moisture than others.
What’s the secret to keeping koftas juicy and tender?
The key is gentle mixing and the right fat content in your meat—85 percent lean is perfect. Also, the grated onion adds moisture, and the breadcrumbs prevent the koftas from drying out. Avoid overworking the mixture, which can make them dense or tough.
Can I assemble the koftas a day in advance?
Yes, prepping the kofta mixture ahead makes dinnertime a breeze. You can shape the koftas and keep them covered in the fridge overnight. This not only saves time, but also allows the flavors to develop even further.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, herby comfort food, don’t wait—put this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe on your menu this week and see why it’s such a favorite! Every bite promises warmth, spice, and homemade goodness. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready for rave reviews at the dinner table.
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Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Kofta Bake recipe combines Middle Eastern flavors with savory spiced meatballs baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Main Meatball Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 small onion (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all main meatball ingredients. Shape into meatballs and place in a baking dish.
- Make Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onion, add garlic, crushed tomatoes, spices, and sugar if using. Simmer.
- Combine and Bake: Pour sauce over meatballs, bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for another 10–15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot with desired accompaniments.
Notes
- You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead.
- For added heat, consider adding cayenne or red pepper to the sauce or meat.
- Lamb can be substituted for beef or used in a blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
