Oven-baked beef kofta is one of the easiest ways to get bold Middle Eastern flavor with minimal effort. These juicy meat patties are made with ground beef, onions, herbs, and warm spices, then shaped into thick oval portions and baked until browned and tender. Kofta is loved because it’s simple, filling, and incredibly versatile—you can serve it with rice, pita bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or even tuck it into wraps with a creamy sauce.
Baking kofta is also a great option when you want less oil and less mess than pan-frying. The oven gives you a nicely cooked exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Plus, you can cook a big batch at once, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a family.
Why You’ll Love This Kofta Recipe
- Easy and fast: Mix, shape, bake—no complicated steps.
- Juicy and flavorful: Herbs and spices make the meat taste incredible.
- Healthier than frying: Less oil, less cleanup.
- Perfect for meal prep: Reheats well and works in many dishes.
Ingredients
For 8–10 kofta patties:
- 2 lb (900 g) ground beef (80/20 is best for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, grated or very finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon кориандр (ground coriander) or 1 teaspoon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or allspice (optional, classic warm flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)
Optional add-ins:
- 1–2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (if the mixture feels too soft)
- Chili flakes or cayenne for heat
- Finely chopped green pepper for extra freshness
How to Make Oven-Baked Beef Kofta
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the kofta: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and any optional spices. Mix gently with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can make kofta dense.
- Chill if needed: If the mixture feels very soft, place it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. This makes shaping easier and helps kofta hold its form.
- Shape the patties: Divide mixture into equal portions and shape into thick oval patties. Press shallow lines across the top with your fingers (this helps them cook evenly and gives a traditional look).
- Bake: Arrange kofta on the baking tray with a little space between each. Bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness, until browned and cooked through.
- Optional broil: For extra color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully so they don’t burn).
- Rest and serve: Let kofta rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to keep juices inside.
How to Serve Kofta
Kofta can be served in many delicious ways:
- With rice: Serve over basmati rice with a simple salad.
- In pita wraps: Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a garlic sauce.
- With roasted potatoes: Perfect for a hearty dinner plate.
- With couscous or bulgur: Great for a Mediterranean-style meal.
- With sauces: Yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, or spicy harissa sauce.
Simple Yogurt Garlic Sauce (Perfect with Kofta)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Mix and serve cold alongside hot kofta for the best contrast.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Kofta
- Use meat with some fat: 80/20 beef keeps kofta moist.
- Grate the onion: This adds moisture and flavor without big chunks.
- Don’t overmix: Overworked meat becomes tough.
- Make equal portions: Even size helps everything cook at the same time.
- Rest after baking: Just a few minutes keeps kofta juicy.
Easy Kofta Variations
- Chicken kofta: Use ground chicken, add a little olive oil for moisture.
- Spicy kofta: Add cayenne, chopped chili, or harissa into the mixture.
- Cheesy center: Hide a small cube of cheese inside each patty before baking.
- Herby version: Add extra parsley, cilantro, and a pinch of mint.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooked kofta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked kofta for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for best texture. Add a splash of water or cover with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
Oven-baked beef kofta is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade. With juicy meat, warm spices, and endless serving options, it’s an easy recipe that belongs in every weekly rotation.