Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce

Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce is a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines flavorful ground beef with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes. The kofta is full of aromatic spices, while the yogurt sauce adds a refreshing touch. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce offers the perfect balance of savory and refreshing flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef and a cooling yogurt sauce makes for a comforting yet light meal. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, vegetables, or pita bread, it’s versatile and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Additionally, it’s easy to make and can be cooked in several ways, allowing you to choose your preferred method. This recipe also works well for meal prep, providing a delicious and nutritious option to have throughout the week.

Ingredients

Greek Yogurt Sauce
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Beef Kofta
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean/20% fat)
1 tablespoon Za’atar
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 shallot, finely minced (about ⅓ cup)
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley or cilantro, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg, beaten

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Greek Yogurt Sauce

1. Combine all of the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl. Stir until fully combined.

2. Set aside and serve with the kofta.

Beef Kofta

1. Add all of the kofta ingredients into a large bowl. Mix with a fork or your hands until just combined.

2. Using your hands, form small oblong patties with the mixture. If the mixture sticks to your hands, rub a small amount of olive oil on them.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once the skillet is hot, place the patties in the pan, being sure not to overcrowd them. If necessary, cook in batches.

4. Cook for about 12 to 14 minutes, turning the kofta every couple of minutes to allow them to brown on all sides. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

5. Serve the kofta with the Greek yogurt sauce. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Kofta: For a smoky flavor, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Shape the meat into thick sausages and thread them onto skewers. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

• Baked Kofta: You can bake the kofta in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Rotate halfway through for even cooking.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mixture of lentils, chickpeas, and spices for a vegetarian kofta option.

• Sauce Variation: You can add chopped cucumbers or dill to the Greek yogurt sauce for an added twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover kofta and yogurt sauce in separate airtight containers. The kofta will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the yogurt sauce can last for 4 to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat the kofta, place them in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The Greek yogurt sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef, though the kofta will be leaner and may have a slightly different texture.

2. Can I freeze the kofta?

Yes, you can freeze the formed kofta before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

3. How do I know when the kofta is done cooking?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 160°F, the kofta is safe to eat.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the kofta and the sauce ahead of time. Just store the kofta in the fridge and cook them on the day you plan to serve them. The yogurt sauce can be made the day before.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper in the Greek yogurt sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the kofta mixture.

6. Can I use non-fat Greek yogurt for the sauce?

Yes, non-fat Greek yogurt can be used in place of full-fat yogurt, but it may not be as creamy.

7. How can I make the kofta mixture more flavorful?

Adding additional spices like smoked paprika, coriander, or cinnamon can give the kofta more depth and complexity. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings.

8. What sides pair well with Beef Kofta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh pita bread, a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a Mediterranean salad.

9. Can I cook the kofta in a slow cooker?

While slow cooking is not the ideal method for kofta, you could cook them in the slow cooker on low for about 4 hours, but the texture may differ from pan-frying or grilling.

10. Can I grill the kofta without skewers?

Yes, you can grill the kofta without skewers. Just form the patties into thick, sausage-like shapes and place them directly on the grill. Be sure to turn them gently so they don’t break apart.

Conclusion

Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce is a delicious, quick, and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s full of flavor. The tender, spice-infused beef kofta pairs perfectly with the cool, tangy yogurt sauce for a meal that’s satisfying and nutritious. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-fry, this dish is versatile and makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner, gathering food, or meal prep.