Baked Beef Kofta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from ground beef mixed with spices and herbs, shaped into logs or patties, and baked until golden. These koftas are perfect for serving with pita bread, rice, or salads, and are great for gatherings or as a family meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
• 1 small onion (finely grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 egg (beaten, for binding)
• Wooden skewers (if grilling, soaked in water)

Timing

Making Baked Beef Kofta takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Kofta Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and beaten egg.
2. Mix Well: Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined, but do not overmix.

Step 3: Shape the Kofta

1. Form Kofta: Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into logs or patties (about 4-5 inches long) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If using skewers, mold the mixture around the soaked skewers.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate: Remove the kofta from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish: Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, or a salad.

Step 6: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Enjoy the delicious, spiced flavors of these baked beef kofta!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Baked Beef Kofta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	20g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Spice Variations: Adjust the spices according to your taste; add more cayenne for heat or try adding allspice or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with hummus, tabbouleh, or a yogurt-based sauce for added flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Beef Kofta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East to your table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy this delightful recipe!