If you are looking for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings together aromatic spices and wholesome vegetables, you will absolutely fall in love with this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe. It combines juicy ground beef koftas infused with fresh herbs and a touch of heat, all baked alongside tender vegetables and rich tomato sauce. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss but maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe has a role that elevates the overall dish — from the freshness of the herbs to the warm smokiness of the paprika. These essentials ensure you get a perfect balance of texture, color, and flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 2 zucchinis, sliced: Adds moisture and a delicate mild flavor that complements the meat.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters: Offers a hearty, starchy base to bulk up the bake.
- 1 large carrot, sliced: Brings sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
- 1 large red onion, quartered: Adds a robust, slightly sweet bite once roasted.
- 10 garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with deep, aromatic undertones.
- 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes: Creates a luscious, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided): Adds a subtle kick and balances the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky note that complements the beef.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps roast the veggies to tender, golden perfection.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein, rich and savory, forming the koftas.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Provides fresh, bright herbal accents within the koftas.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a zesty, slightly citrusy flavor that lifts the meat.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced: Gives just enough heat to awaken the palate without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds the kofta mixture for perfect shape and texture.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the koftas moist while ensuring they hold together during baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Added to the kofta mix for seasoning depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Incorporated into the beef for balanced spicing.
How to Make Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, toss the sliced zucchinis, quartered potatoes, carrot slices, red onion quarters, and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, half the salt, half the pepper, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir so the seasoning and oil coat every piece. This mixture will roast while the koftas cook, developing caramelized edges and tender centers that perfectly complement the rich meat.
Step 2: Make the Kofta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with parsley, cilantro, diced jalapeño, egg, breadcrumbs, remaining salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly until uniform. The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders to help maintain the shape of the koftas during baking while the herbs and jalapeño add layers of fresh flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Step 3: Shape and Arrange Koftas
Form the beef mixture into small, oval-shaped koftas — about the size of a large meatball or slightly elongated. Nestle these onto the bed of prepared vegetables in the baking dish, spacing them evenly so they cook through uniformly. Each kofta will soak up the roasting juices from the vegetables, creating a juicy and flavorful bite.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Bake
Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes over the koftas and vegetables, letting the sauce settle into the nooks and crannies. This tomato layer keeps everything moist while adding a tangy richness that melds the flavors. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the koftas are cooked through and the vegetables are tender and golden with delicious caramelized edges.
How to Serve Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving elevates the dish with vibrant color and a burst of herbal freshness. A dollop of creamy yogurt or tzatziki on the side cuts through the richness and adds a lovely cooling contrast to the spices and roasted vegetables.
Side Dishes
The Beef Kofta Bake Recipe shines as a one-dish meal, but pairing it with warm pita bread or fluffy couscous can make it even more satisfying. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the deeper flavors of the bake perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of koftas over creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf, spooning generous amounts of the tomato and roasted vegetable sauce on top. You can also hollow out pita pockets and stuff them with koftas and roasted veggies for a handheld meal that’s perfect for casual lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Kofta Bake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and koftas together helps maintain their moisture and flavor, making for a convenient next-day meal that tastes just as good as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance for busy nights, freeze it after baking and cooling. Wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Beef Kofta Bake Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, to keep that perfect texture and flavor intact. Microwaving is also an option but can sometimes dry out the koftas, so adding a splash of water or covering with a damp cloth helps maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Beef Kofta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef adds a rich flavor, you can swap it with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken for a different taste profile. Just remember to adjust cooking times if needed depending on the meat’s fat content and texture.
Is it possible to make the koftas spicier?
Yes, you can easily turn up the heat by keeping the seeds in the jalapeño or adding some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture. The spice level is very customizable based on your preference.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in the koftas?
If you prefer gluten-free options or want to skip breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, soaked oats, or even cooked quinoa work well to help bind the mixture without compromising texture.
Can I prepare the kofta mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the kofta ingredients a day in advance and store the mixture covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time on the day you want to bake.
How do I know when the koftas are fully cooked?
The koftas should be firm to the touch and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) if you want to be precise. The tomato sauce bubbling and the vegetables turning golden are good visual cues that everything is done.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Kofta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your heart and fills your belly with incredible flavors and textures. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for weekend gatherings. I hope you give it a try and share it with those you love — trust me, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Beef Kofta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef meatballs baked alongside a medley of roasted vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. Combining aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and an array of healthy vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, carrots, and red onion, this recipe offers a comforting one-pan meal perfect for family dinners. The beef koftas are tender and juicy, balanced by the smoky paprika and slight heat from jalapeño, making it a delicious and satisfying option.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Base
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 large red onion, quartered
- 10 garlic cloves
- 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Beef Kofta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large roasting pan or baking dish, combine sliced zucchinis, quartered potatoes, sliced carrot, quartered red onion, and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with half the salt, half the pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Roast the Vegetables: Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the vegetables for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to soften and develop some color.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Meanwhile, gently mix the canned diced tomatoes with the remaining salt and pepper in a bowl. This will serve as the base sauce for the kofta bake.
- Make the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, finely diced jalapeño, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated but do not overmix to keep the koftas tender.
- Form the Koftas: Shape the beef mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and set aside.
- Assemble the Bake: Remove the roasting pan with the vegetables from the oven. Pour the seasoned diced tomatoes over the vegetables evenly. Nestle the prepared koftas among the vegetables and tomato sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Bake Until Cooked Through: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the beef koftas are fully cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a wholesome meal on its own or accompanied by rice or flatbread.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of cumin or coriander to the kofta mix.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium canned tomatoes and adjust salt accordingly.
- Jalapeño can be omitted or replaced with mild chili for less heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
