If you love vibrant flavors and hearty meals that bring the warmth of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your table, then the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines juicy, spice-infused beef koftas with a rich tomato sauce and tender vegetables, baked to perfection. It’s a colorful, comforting casserole that feels both special and homey all at once, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to creating the magic in this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or freshness that makes this dish truly memorable.
- Ground beef (85% lean): Provides the juicy, savory base for the koftas, balancing richness and flavor.
- Small onion, finely grated: Blends seamlessly into the meat for sweetness and moisture without overpowering texture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a subtle kick of aroma and depth to the kofta mix.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with its fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Ground cumin: Adds warm earthiness that’s signature to Middle Eastern flavors.
- Ground coriander: Offers citrusy undertones, making the spices more dynamic.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a gentle sweetness and complexity to the meat.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight all other flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for searing koftas, developing a flavorful crust and richness.
- Diced tomatoes: Form the vibrant, juicy base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Thickens and deepens the tomato sauce’s flavor profile.
- Ground allspice: Adds a touch of aromatic warmth that’s subtle but irresistible.
- Beef broth or water: Provides moisture, ensuring a luscious sauce to coat the koftas.
- Red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness, crunch, and color contrast.
- Zucchini, sliced: Offers a tender, mild vegetable element that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Provides a salty, creamy finish that makes the dish extra special.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A final burst of freshness and vibrant green color on top.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef with grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and the fragrant spices – cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing just until combined ensures the meat stays tender and juicy without becoming dense. This blend sets the bold but balanced flavor foundation for your koftas.
Step 2: Shape and Sear the Koftas
Shape the mixture into 10–12 small, oval-shaped koftas. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the koftas on all sides until beautifully browned. Don’t worry about cooking them through just yet; this step locks in flavor, creates a gorgeous crust, and seals the juices inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While the koftas brown, whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground allspice, and beef broth in a separate bowl. This sauce will become rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced as it bakes alongside the koftas.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the browned koftas in a baking dish and scatter the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini around them. Pour the tomato mixture over everything, ensuring the koftas and veggies are well coated. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, letting all the flavors meld while the vegetables soften.
Step 5: Finish Baking with Feta
Remove the foil, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if you like, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. This final stage lets the sauce bubble and the feta gently melt, adding a beautiful creamy, salty contrast that complements the spices perfectly.
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe with a handful of fresh parsley elevates the dish’s aroma and adds a pop of vibrant green color against the rich tomato sauce. For extra flair, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of extra feta can bring in a lovely richness and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or fluffy couscous to soak up the luscious sauce. If you prefer something more rustic, warm flatbreads or pita are perfect for scooping and make the meal feel interactive. A simple side salad with crisp greens and lemon dressing adds refreshing brightness to balance the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve these koftas family-style in the baking dish right from the oven for a cozy, communal feel. You can also arrange koftas on a platter lined with herbaceous labneh or tzatziki for a creamy tangy base. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or toasted pine nuts for a stunning visual and textural pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Kofta Bake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, freeze it without the feta cheese for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh feta before the final bake to keep it fresh and creamy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture of the koftas and prevent the vegetables from drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven’s slower heat keeps everything tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use lamb instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Lamb is a traditional choice for koftas and adds a richer, earthier flavor. You can even mix lamb and beef for a perfect balance. Just follow the same preparation and cooking times.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your broth and spices for any added gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination.
How spicy is the Beef Kofta Bake Recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from spices like cumin and paprika but is not overly spicy. You can easily add chili flakes or cayenne if you prefer a kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this specific recipe focuses on beef, you could try substituting with plant-based ground meat alternatives or hearty legumes, though texture and flavor will differ. Adding smoky spices and tomato sauce helps mimic some of the original character.
What’s the best way to shape the koftas?
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then gently form small oval or football-shaped patties about two inches long. Avoid packing too tightly to keep them tender once cooked.
Final Thoughts
The Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is a true celebration of flavor, texture, and simple ingredients coming together in the most comforting way. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or impressing guests, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite!
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Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef Kofta Bake is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired casserole featuring spiced ground beef koftas simmered in a rich tomato sauce with tender vegetables. Seared to perfection and baked until bubbly, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or flatbread.
Ingredients
For the Koftas
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined to keep the koftas tender.
- Shape and Sear the Koftas: Form the mixture into 10–12 small oval-shaped koftas. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the koftas on all sides for about 4–5 minutes until they have a lovely brown crust. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground allspice, and beef broth or water until well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seared koftas evenly in a baking dish. Scatter sliced red bell pepper and zucchini around the koftas. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Add Feta and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the koftas and vegetables if using, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot with your choice of rice, couscous, or flatbread.
Notes
- Serve with rice, couscous, or flatbread for a complete meal.
- You can substitute lamb for beef or use a mix of both for a richer flavor.
- Add chili flakes or fresh chili to the kofta mixture if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Check labels to ensure beef broth and spices are gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
