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This homemade beef kofta is a take on a classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor and warming spices! Serve it with a side of veggies and tzatziki for the perfect simple dinner.

What is Beef Kofta?

Beef kofta is essentially a spiced meatball popular in middle eastern and Mediterranean cuisine that’s made with ground beef, and spices, and grilled on a skewer. It’s also served with a sauce like tzatziki and sides like vegetables and rice. It’s packed full of flavor, and simple to make!

Why you’ll love this beef Kofta

  • It’s the perfect way to use ground beef. If you’re bored of the same ol’ ground beef recipes, this is one that you have to add to your rotation!
  • It’s simple to make. Nothing too fancy, just make sure you have some skewers on hand and you’re good to go!

The ingredients for Beef Kofta

  • Ground beef. You can technically use lamb to make a similar recipe as well.
  • Parsley, cinnamon, oregano, and cumin. 
  • Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. This adds a pop of freshness to the beef.
  • Onion and garlic. You’ll use grated onion to get lots of flavor and minimal texture.

How to make Beef Kofta

  • Make the meat mixture. Using a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, and zest until fully combined.

  • Form onto the skewers and chill. Using 4-5 soaked wooden skewers, form a handful of the beef mixture on the skewer in a long shape, covering most of the skewer. Repeat for all of the beef mixtures. Transfer to a plate and chill.

  • Grill & serve! Using a grill pan or outdoor grill, set to medium-high heat and grease with oil. Add the beef kofta to the grill surface and grill for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t skip chilling the raw kebabs! This helps to ensure that the meat doesn’t slide off of the skewers.
  • Stick with fresh lemon. The fresh lemon juice and zests lend a lot of flavors, so go with the fresh stuff.

What to serve with beef kofta

  • Raw cucumber and red onion salad. I simply slice them thin and season them with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for a crunchy side.
  • Rice or cauliflower rice
  • Tzatziki 

Can you make beef kofta in the oven?

The grill flavor is traditional to this recipe, but yes, you can make it in the oven in a pinch.

Evenly space the prepared skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet (with a baking rack if possible) and bake at 350 F for 25 min, or until baked through.

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Easy Homemade Beef Kofta

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ white onion, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp black pepper, omit for AIP
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cumin, omit for AIP
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Juice and zest of half a lemon

Instructions
 

  • Using a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, and zest until fully combined.
  • Using 4-5 soaked wooden skewers, form a handful of the beef mixture on the skewer in a long shape, covering most of the skewer. Repeat for all of the beef mixtures. Transfer to a plate and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Using a grill pan or outdoor grill, set to medium-high heat and grease with oil. Add the beef kofta to the grill surface and grill for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
  • Serve the beef topped with tzatziki and with a side of vegetables and rice.

Notes

To cook in the oven, evenly space the prepared skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet (with a baking rack if possible) and bake at 350 F for 25 min, or until baked through.
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