Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed dish with a gorgeous Middle Eastern flair, you’ll love this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe. Juicy, spiced beef koftas nestle into a bed of sweet tomatoes and red onion, soaking up a savory broth as they bake to golden perfection. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s as perfect for a cozy weeknight as it is for impressing company, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a kofta veteran or new to this classic, you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final dish. Every spice and produce pick brings something special: warmth, freshness, juiciness, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each addition:
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): This is the heart of your kofta, giving you rich flavor and a juicy, tender bite.
- Onion (1 small, grated or finely chopped): Adds moisture and subtle sweetness, helping the kofta stay soft and flavorful.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Brings irresistible aroma and depth, tying the spices together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Lends freshness and a lovely burst of color to every bite.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Gives that earthy, toasty warmth that’s so iconic in Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Offers gentle lemony notes that brighten the beef mixture.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and a whisper of exotic spice.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings mild heat and a beautiful hint of color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Tomatoes (2 medium, sliced): These roast down and create a sweet, tangy layer over the kofta.
- Red onion (1 small, sliced): Cooks down to add savory sweetness and a gorgeous pop of purple.
- Beef or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and creates a delicious, flavorful sauce in the pan.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps roast the veggies and brings a silky finish to the dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A final sprinkle of green for extra freshness and color.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Kofta Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and all those glorious spices—cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing with your hands really lets you incorporate everything thoroughly (plus, it’s oddly satisfying!). You want the mixture to be uniform, so each kofta is bursting with the same great flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Koftas
Now comes the fun part! Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or log-shaped patties, about 2–3 inches long. Don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic is charming! Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly in the oven.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with a touch of olive oil. Arrange your koftas in a single layer, giving them a bit of space. Scatter the sliced tomatoes and red onions on top and around the koftas. The vegetables will roast and soften, mingling their juices with the beef as it bakes. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, then pour the broth into the bottom of the dish for extra moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake Everything Together
Cover the dish loosely with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, letting all those flavors meld and the koftas cook through. Then, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10–15 minutes. This last stretch lets the koftas brown up and the veggies caramelize just a bit. You’re looking for juicy, golden koftas and tender, flavorful veggies.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is out of the oven, sprinkle everything with a little extra fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot, making sure everyone gets plenty of those sweet, roasted tomatoes and onions along with their kofta!
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley is classic, adding brightness and color that really pops against the warm kofta. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce is absolutely delightful. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a zippy, citrusy finish to their plate.
Side Dishes
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe loves company! It’s fantastic served with fluffy basmati rice, buttery couscous, or warm flatbread that’s perfect for soaking up those flavorful juices. A crisp cucumber-tomato salad or a tangy yogurt dip complements the spices and makes the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the koftas in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile them onto a big platter family-style for everyone to dig in. Leftovers tuck beautifully into pita bread with a little salad for a Middle Eastern-inspired sandwich. You can even slice the koftas and serve them over a vibrant grain bowl with lots of fresh veggies and herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Beef Kofta Bake Recipe, lucky you! Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for some seriously tasty lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
The kofta mixture (uncooked or cooked) freezes beautifully. Shape the raw koftas and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag, or cool baked koftas and freeze them in portions. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Reheating
To reheat your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe, place the desired portion in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For a quick option, use the microwave, but add a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I make this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe with ground lamb?
Absolutely! Traditional kofta recipes often use lamb, or a mix of lamb and beef. Lamb will add a slightly richer, more robust flavor. Just keep the spices and other ingredients the same—your kitchen will smell incredible!
What’s the best way to grate the onion for the kofta?
Grating the onion on the large holes of a box grater is perfect. It releases lots of juice, which helps keep your kofta extra moist. If you prefer, a food processor works well too—just avoid large chunks for the best texture.
Can I add more vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or sliced eggplant are all delicious additions that roast up beautifully alongside the koftas. Just keep everything in a single layer so the veggies cook evenly with the meat.
Is this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe contains no gluten, making it a wonderful option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Just pair it with gluten-free sides if needed.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also serve with a spicy harissa or chili sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, I can’t recommend this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Kofta Bake is a hearty and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced ground beef patties baked with fresh tomatoes and onions. Perfect for an easy and satisfying main course, it pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or flatbread.
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion (grated or finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bake
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare kofta mixture: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all kofta ingredients: ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined and evenly seasoned.
- Shape the koftas: Shape the mixture into small oval or log-shaped patties, approximately 2–3 inches long, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Arrange in baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. Arrange the koftas in a single layer. Place the sliced tomatoes and red onion on top of and around the koftas.
- Add liquids and oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the koftas and vegetables, then pour the beef or vegetable broth into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the koftas moist during cooking.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the koftas are cooked completely and lightly browned on the outside.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside rice, couscous, flatbread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the kofta mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking to deepen the flavors.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture.
- For a more traditional Middle Eastern flavor, substitute ground lamb or use a mixture of lamb and beef.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish to allow proper cooking and browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
