Description
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.
Ingredients
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)
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
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients for the yogurt sauce in a small bowl. Stir until fully combined. Set aside and serve with the kofta.
- For the kofta: Add all of the kofta ingredients into a large bowl. Mix with a fork or your hands until just combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the kofta with the Greek yogurt sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- 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: 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying, Grilling, or Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kofta
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
