Description
This Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce recipe is a bold, flavorful, and protein-rich dish inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Juicy spiced ground beef patties are pan-seared to perfection and served with a cool, creamy Greek yogurt sauce infused with lemon, garlic, and cumin. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Serve it with warm pita, rice, or grilled veggies for a satisfying and wholesome meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- For the 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)
- For the 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 chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
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Make the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
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In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (optional).
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Stir until fully blended and creamy.
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Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Make the Beef Kofta:
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Za’atar, salt, pepper, shallot, garlic, parsley or cilantro, and beaten egg.
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Gently mix with a fork or your hands until just combined (do not overmix).
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Form the mixture into small oblong patties (about 2–3 inches long).
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Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add kofta in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook uncovered for 12–14 minutes, turning every few minutes until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Serve hot with chilled yogurt sauce.
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Notes
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Freezer Friendly: Kofta can be frozen raw or cooked. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 294.2 mg
- Fat: 23.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.1 g
- Trans Fat: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 20.6 g
- Cholesterol: 111.2 mg