Name: Ground Beef Kofta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 lemon, zested; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup Israeli couscous; 2 cups chicken stock or water; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vinaigrette); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Kofta Recipe

Easy to customize and serve family style: you can let everyone build their own bowl with rice, sauce, salad, and pita.
Just simple, everyday ingredients (ground beef, spices, yogurt, veggies) but big on flavor.
Quick: about 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes total time.
Great mix of textures and styles — grilled meat meets creamy sauce and fresh salad for a Mediterranean / Middle Eastern vibe.

Ingredients

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

For the beef kofta:
lean ground beef
coriander
cumin
smoked paprika (or regular)
sea salt

For the yogurt sauce:
plain Greek yogurt
tahini
garlic (fresh)
lemon juice

For the cucumber‑tomato salad:
cucumber (diced)
cherry or grape tomatoes (quartered)
fresh mint (or flat‑leaf parsley)
lemon juice
olive oil
salt & pepper

For serving:
rice (your favorite type)
pita bread

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Mix gently by hand until just combined, then form into about 8 small oblong patties. Chill in the refrigerator if desired until ready to grill.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini, grated garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill until serving.
In a medium bowl, combine the diced cucumber, quartered tomatoes, and chopped mint. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat a grill (or grill pan) to medium‑high heat. Place the beef patties over direct heat and grill for about 4–5 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 3–4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C). Let rest for about 5 minutes.
To serve, place grilled kofta over rice, top with yogurt sauce and cucumber‑tomato salad, and serve with warm pita bread on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for a mix of beef and lamb for a more traditional kofta flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for a warmer spice profile.
Use chili flakes or cayenne for a spicier version.
Replace rice with quinoa, couscous, or greens for a lighter option.
Use flatbread, naan, or lettuce wraps instead of pita.
Add red onion, parsley, and sumac to the salad for a chopped-style twist.
Make the yogurt sauce more tangy by adding labneh or fresh herbs like dill.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover components (beef, sauce, salad) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat beef patties in a skillet at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through.
Freeze cooked patties (without sauce or salad) in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

What is beef kofta made of?

Beef kofta is made from ground meat seasoned with warm spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika. It may also include herbs and onion depending on the variation.

What do you eat kofta with?

Kofta is often served with rice, pita or flatbread, yogurt-based sauces, and fresh salads or vegetables.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the patties and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill and serve.

Can this be cooked indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Absolutely. Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop and cook until the patties reach an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C).

Is tahini mandatory in the yogurt sauce?

No, it’s optional. You can substitute with more yogurt and a pinch of spices like cumin and coriander for similar flavor.

What can I substitute for rice?

You can serve kofta over couscous, bulgur, farro, or even skip the grain entirely and use a fresh salad base.

Is the recipe spicy?

No, it’s warmly spiced but not hot. For extra heat, add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Can I use leaner or fattier ground meat?

Yes, this recipe uses lean ground beef, but you can adjust based on preference. Just be mindful of cooking time and possible grease content with fattier cuts.

What if I don’t eat beef?

You can substitute with ground lamb, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cooked kofta patties freeze well for up to 3 months. Store without sauce or salad in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Grilled ground beef kofta is a flavorful, versatile dish perfect for any night of the week. With its simple preparation and bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s easy to make, easy to customize, and sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it with rice, salad, or wrapped in pita, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.