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
Scale
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
