There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a homemade Beef Kofta Bake Recipe that brings together tender, spiced ground beef meatballs nestled among vibrant roasted vegetables, all infused with the rich, tangy warmth of diced tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This dish is a flavor-packed celebration on a single baking sheet that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your belly with hearty goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is an easy-to-follow, crowd-pleasing meal that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony to build complex flavors and wonderful textures in this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, adding freshness, spice, earthiness, or juiciness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Zucchinis: sliced for tender, slightly sweet vegetable layers that soak up savory juices.
- Potatoes: peeled and quartered to add comforting bulk and a soft, creamy texture when roasted.
- Carrot: sliced to introduce a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory beef.
- Red onion: quartered to bring sharpness and a caramelized finish after roasting.
- Garlic cloves: whole for mellowing during roasting, infusing the dish with warmth and depth.
- Can of diced tomatoes: provides a saucy, plum-tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: carefully divided to season vegetables and koftas perfectly without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika: adds a mild smoky spice that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil: essential for roasting veggies to golden perfection and keeping koftas moist.
- Ground beef: the star protein, rich and juicy, forming flavorful koftas.
- Chopped parsley: fresh and herbaceous, brightening every bite with its green pop.
- Chopped cilantro: lends a slightly citrusy freshness that complements spices beautifully.
- Jalapeño: finely diced and seeded to add a gentle heat without overwhelming the palate.
- Large egg: acts as a binder to keep the koftas tender yet firm.
- Breadcrumbs: absorb moisture and help maintain the kofta structure during baking.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing the zucchinis, peeling and quartering the potatoes, and slicing the carrot. Quarter the red onion and gather whole garlic cloves. Toss these veggies with olive oil, half of the salt, half of the pepper, and the smoked paprika. Spread them evenly on a large baking tray and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. This gentle roasting unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a delicious base layer.
Step 2: Make the Kofta Mixture
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with chopped parsley, cilantro, diced jalapeño, the large egg, breadcrumbs, remaining salt, and pepper. Mix everything just enough to blend but avoid overworking the meat to keep koftas tender. The herbs and jalapeño bring brightness and a little kick to the beef’s deep savory flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Koftas
Form the beef mixture into small meatballs, about the size of golf balls, and nestle them on top of the roasted vegetable layer. Pour the canned diced tomatoes evenly over the entire tray, letting the juices mingle with the vegetables and meat. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the koftas are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling with all those beautiful flavors melded together.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once baked, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, ensuring each bite of your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is juicy and perfect. A quick sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving takes it over the top.
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro makes a delightful garnish, adding bursts of green color and refreshing herbal notes that contrast with the rich koftas. A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of cooling yogurt can also brighten the flavors and mellow the gentle heat from the jalapeño.
Side Dishes
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, warm pita bread, or a crisp green salad. Each side adds a nice balance by either soaking up the saucy juices or cutting through the richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the koftas individually stacked on small plates with roasted veggies arranged around and a drizzle of yogurt sauce or tahini. Alternatively, scoop the koftas and sauce over grains or inside a pita for hand-held enjoyment that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef Kofta Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavors and texture, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the kofta bake either before baking or after cooling the cooked dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions will maintain quality for up to 2 months, ideal for stocking your freezer with comfort food ready to heat up.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the koftas juicy and the vegetables tender. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the meat, so adding a splash of water or covering the dish helps retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the kofta mixture a few hours or even a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to shape and bake. This makes mealtime even easier when you’re busy.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground lamb or turkey are great alternatives. Lamb adds a classic Mediterranean flavor, while turkey provides a leaner option. Keep the same seasoning for best results.
How spicy is this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe?
The recipe includes jalapeño, but it’s seeded and finely diced, providing a mild, gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer less spice.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular paprika or a pinch of cumin can work well. The smoky note adds depth but isn’t absolutely necessary for a delicious result.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can easily swap them for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground nuts to keep this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe gluten-free while maintaining texture.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe with you has been such a joy because it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its vibrant mix of spices, fresh herbs, and wholesome roasted vegetables, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary rotation. Give it a try soon—you deserve a meal that’s bursting with flavor and so easy to love!
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Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Kofta Bake recipe combines flavorful ground beef koftas with a hearty mix of roasted vegetables in a savory tomato sauce. The dish is baked to perfection, making it a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for family dinners. With aromatic herbs, spices, and a touch of heat from jalapeño, this recipe delivers a balanced and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Sauce
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 large red onion, quartered
- 10 garlic cloves
- 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Kofta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, combine sliced zucchinis, quartered potatoes, sliced carrot, quartered red onion, and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast Vegetables: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until vegetables start to become tender and lightly browned.
- Make Tomato Sauce: While vegetables roast, stir the canned diced tomatoes with the remaining salt and pepper in a separate bowl; set aside.
- Prepare Kofta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently until fully incorporated.
- Form Koftas: Shape the beef mixture into small, oval meatballs (koftas) about the size of a golf ball.
- Add Sauce and Koftas: Remove roasted vegetables from oven. Pour the diced tomato mixture over the vegetables, then nestle the koftas on top of the vegetable and tomato mixture evenly.
- Bake the Kofta Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the koftas are cooked through (internal temperature reaching 160°F) and the sauce is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to settle.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a richer flavor.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the koftas, but gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Leftover kofta bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Serve with a side of rice, couscous, or warm flatbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
