Meet your next crowd-pleasing comfort food: Beef Kofta Bake Recipe. With aromatic spices, juicy beef, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish brings Middle Eastern inspiration right to your kitchen. It has just enough cozy warmth from cinnamon and cumin, plenty of fresh parsley, and layers of flavor that meld beautifully in the oven. Even better, it’s a dinner that feels a bit fancy but comes together quickly, making it perfect for both weeknights and special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe comes to life thanks to a handful of pantry staples and super fresh flavor-builders. Each ingredient was chosen for its role—no filler, just bold tastes and appealing colors.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85/15): The star protein, with enough fat for tender, juicy kofta.
- Onion (1/2 small, grated): Adds sweet savoriness and moisture to the mixture.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced, divided): Essential for depth and that irresistible aroma—used in both the meat and the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright and herbaceous, balancing out all the warm spices.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons, divided): Earthy, warm, and unmistakably Middle Eastern, it’s in both the kofta and the sauce.
- Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Adds light citrusy notes that wake everything up.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Cozy and aromatic—a small amount goes a long way.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon, divided): Brings a touch of color and mild sweetness to both the kofta and the sauce.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Essential for balancing flavors throughout.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, divided): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing and richer mouthfeel in the tomato sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): The base of the sauce, making everything juicy and robust.
- Cayenne (pinch, optional): A gentle kick for those who love a little spice.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Stirs into the sauce for a fresh finish.
- Greek yogurt or tahini sauce (for topping): Optional, but highly recommended for creamy contrast.
- Chopped herbs and toasted pine nuts (optional): Adds a final flourish of brightness and crunch.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Start by tossing the ground beef, grated onion, two cloves of minced garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper into a large bowl. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that tender texture. Shape the mixture into oval patties or small meatballs, whatever feels more fun. Then line them up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, snug but not crowded.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and toss in the remaining minced garlic. Give it a quick sauté—30 seconds is plenty, just until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat. Let it all simmer for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Just before you’re done, fold in the fresh parsley or cilantro for that brilliant pop of color and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the simmering tomato sauce all over your kofta in the baking dish, making sure every surface gets a bit of love. Cover the whole thing with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, so those flavors can mingle. After 20 minutes, pull off the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling, sending out the most amazing aroma.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Right before serving, spoon on a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or creamy tahini sauce. Scatter over more fresh herbs and, if you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle on toasted pine nuts for a touch of crunch and elegance. Now, the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is ready for its grand entrance to the table.
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe really shines with its garnishes. A cool spoonful of Greek yogurt or a swirl of tahini sauce takes the spicy-sweet kofta to a whole new level. Fresh herbs—parsley or cilantro—add a vibrant hue and lift the flavors. Toasted pine nuts, if you have them on hand, offer a little extra luxury and a lovely nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate meal, pair your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe with fluffy white rice, buttery couscous, or pillowy warm flatbread. These sides soak up that luscious sauce and round out the meal, making every bite hearty and comforting. Add a simple green salad with lemony dressing to keep things fresh and balanced on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the kofta bake straight from the baking dish for rustic charm, or plate each portion individually with a swoosh of yogurt and a scatter of herbs for a more polished look. For gatherings, try serving the kofta on skewers with a drizzle of sauce and toppings on the side for a build-your-own experience. However you choose, the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The flavors just keep getting better by the next day. Stored properly in the fridge, your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days—just try not to sneak bites every time you pass the fridge!
Freezing
Planning ahead? This dish freezes beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap your kofta bake (in its dish or portioned into containers) tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through. For a quick fix, the microwave works too, though the oven helps maintain that tender, fresh-baked feel. Add an extra drizzle of sauce or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the flavors if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat in the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground lamb or a half-and-half blend of beef and lamb gives the kofta a richer, more traditional Middle Eastern flavor. Even ground turkey works for a lighter take, just add a touch of olive oil to keep it moist.
Is the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just be sure any toppings or side dishes you choose are gluten-free as well. It’s a wonderful choice for sharing at gatherings with varied dietary needs.
Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Mixing up the kofta a day in advance actually deepens the flavors as the herbs and spices meld. Just shape and stash them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Of course! Simply skip the Greek yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or serve with tahini sauce. The Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is just as flavorful with plant-based toppings.
What’s the best way to toast pine nuts for garnish?
For quick, even toasting, toss pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, shaking often, until golden and fragrant—just a few minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe enough! It’s the kind of weeknight hero or weekend showstopper you’ll come back to, bursting with color and comforting flavors. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love into the kitchen, and see just how special homemade kofta can be—enjoy every last bite!
Print
Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish, this Beef Kofta Bake combines spiced ground beef kofta with a savory tomato sauce, baked to perfection and served with optional toppings for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Kofta:
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 small onion (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 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 Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Optional Toppings:
- Greek yogurt or tahini sauce
- chopped herbs
- toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine all kofta ingredients. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing. Form into oval-shaped patties or small meatballs. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Stir in fresh herbs and remove from heat.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the kofta in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve warm, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini sauce, fresh herbs, and optional toasted pine nuts. Pair with rice, couscous, or warm flatbread.
Notes
- You can prepare the kofta mixture a day in advance for deeper flavor.
- Ground lamb or a beef-lamb blend also works well in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
