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    Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki

    September 5, 2024

    Big, bold herbs and spices make these beef kofta kebabs with tzatziki perfect for a super satisfying centerpiece for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

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    Beef Kofta Kababs with Tzatziki, pita bread and tomatoes on skewers

    Beef Kofta—Party Food? Or ULTIMATE Party Food?

    Bringing friends and family together around the dinner table is what The Modern Proper is all about, but sometimes the logistics of it all can get to us (yes, even us!). But the thing is, if we can muster the energy to make a simple meal and invite a few friends over, the effort is always, always rewarded. Nourishing the body, in the company of good friends, is to also nourish the soul. And this easy beef kofta recipe served with tzatziki sauce makes the perfect centerpiece for a casual dinner party. If you want to mix it up, but stay meaty and Mediterranean, check out our easy Gyro Meat.

    ingredients for beef kofta, ground beef, onion, garlic, spices and parsley

    A Garden’s Worth of Herbs Make for the Best Beef Kofta Kebabs.

    Do you ever stand in the dried herb section of the bulk aisle and—when no one is looking—sniff the more exotic herbs and spices, wondering what you could make with them? “When will I get to use sumac?” you ask yourself. Well, friend, today’s the day! Kofta kebabs are all about the spices. In addition to salt and pepper, we spice the ground beef with:

    • Rosemary
    • Cumin
    • Oregano
    • Sumac
    • Cinnamon
    ingredients for kofta, ground beef onion, garlic, spices in a bowl
    raw beef kofta skewers getting ready to be grilled on a sheet pan
    grilled beef kofta on a sheet pan
    6 beef kofta skewers on a plate topped with parsley

    Finger Foods, FTW!

    Now that your gorgeous beef kofta skewers are on ready—the rest is simple. In true Mediterranean feasting style we like to add and add and add to the table, and when you think you have enough dishes, add some more! Then, when you actually have enough, add a bunch of wine and dig in! Sit and talk and eat and talk some more. Then keep eating. These side dishes are meant to be simple simple simple. You can make them yourself, use store-bought, or when your friends ask what they can bring, assign them one or two of the sides. People love to help! Why not take them up on it? We love to serve beef kofta with:

    • Lots of Hummus. Make it yourself or buy it.
    • A simple salad of onion, tomatoes, cucumbers and olive oil.
    • A large hunk of fresh feta, crumbled.
    • Olives.
    • Some crunchy Falafel.
    • Pita bread! Just warm it in the oven before serving.
    • Tzatziki Sauce. OK this one we really think you should DIY—it’s easy, and homemade tastes so much better.
    Beef Kofta Kababs with Tzatziki pita bread tomatoes on skewers on a plate

    Beef Kofta, Two Ways.

    This kofta recipe is all about having a heavy hand with the herbs and spices. Once you’ve made the spiced meat mixture, and formed the skewers, you’ll have a decision to make! To grill, or not to grill. You can grill them for a lovely smokey flavor, or bake them in the oven for ease. Either way, they’ll be delicious. If you can, make the beef kofta mixture a day ahead of time so that the flavors can meld. Here’s how to make beef kofta:

    1. Grate onion! This one of our favorite tricks ever—we’ve been known to mix grated onion into ground beef for burgers, even. Using your food processor to grate the onion is super fast, but a box grater works, too. After you grate the onion, wrap the onion pulp in a towel and give it a good squeeze to get rid of excess liquid.
    2. Make the kofta mixture. Use your hands to blend the ground beef, grated onion, garlic, pepper, salt, marjoram, rosemary, cumin, oregano, sumac and cinnamon.
    3. Shape the kofta! If you’re going to cook the kofta in the oven, you can skip the skewers and just mold the beef kofta mixture into oval-shaped patties, or even into a more traditional meatball shape.
    4. Cook! Grill, or bake in an oven, until the beef is entirely cooked through.
    5. Serve! With all the trimmings.
    6 beef kofta skewers on a plate with parsley
    Beef Kofta Kababs with Tzatziki pita bread tomatoes on skewers

    Tools You’ll Need:

    Meatballs: Not Just a Spaghetti Topper Anymore.

    We’re going to let you in on a little secret—kofta basically just means “spiced meatball”. And we’re really into meatballs. They’re a terrific blank slate, and we love to think outside the box and flavor them with all kinds of fun herbs and spices. Here are a few of our go-to meatball recipes:

    Beef Kofta Kababs with Tzatziki pita bread tomatoes on skewers

    Host with the Most!

    Whether you serve our kofta kebabs as part of a Mediterranean feast for ten of your closest friends, or just as a quick weeknight dinner to mix up your routine, we hope this recipe is a hit for you! Let us know how it turns out! Snap a photo, and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating! For more recipe inspiration you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.

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    Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki

    Updated on September 5, 2024

    • Serves:  4
    • Prep Time:  20 min
    • Cook Time:  10 min
    • Calories:  471
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    Ingredients

    Kofta

    • ½ yellow onion, grated
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon rosemary
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 8 metal or wooden skewers (see Note 2)

    For serving (optional)

    • ½ cup flat leaf parsley leaves
    • 4 ounces feta, crumbled
    • 1 cup hummus
    • 1 cup tzatziki
    • 1 cup diced cucumbers
    • 2 roma tomatoes sliced
    • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
    • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
    • Pita bread, warmed

    Method

    Grill Method:

    1. Heat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.

    2. Transfer the grated onion to the center of a clean kitchen linen. Gather the edges and hold the towel over the sink. Gently squeeze it to wring out any excess liquid. Transfer the onion to a large bowl.

    3. Add the ground beef, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, cumin, oregano, sumac (if using) and cinnamon, using your hands, mix until combined (see Note).

    4. Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently slide the skewers through the center of the meat.

    5. Place the meat on the preheated grill, rotating the skewers with tongs every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and cooked through, 8-10 minutes.

    6. Transfer the skewers to a platter. Serve with parsley, feta, hummus, tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, drizzled with olive oil with pita alongside.


    Oven Baked Method:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, with a rack in the center position. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.

    2. Transfer the grated onion to the center of a clean kitchen linen. Gather the edges and hold the towel over the sink. Gently squeeze it to wring out any excess liquid. Transfer the onion to a large bowl.

    3. Add the ground beef, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, cumin, oregano, sumac (if using) and cinnamon, using your hands, mix until combined (see Note).

    4. Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently slide the skewers through the center of the meat.

    5. Arrange kofta on the prepared sheet pan. Bake, turning half way through, until golden brown and cooked through, 30 minutes. Transfer the skewers to a platter. Serve with parsley, feta, hummus, tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, drizzled with olive oil with pita alongside.


    Notes:

    1. Meat can be used right away, but will taste even better if it has time for the flavors to meld. If you have time, you can prepare the beef kofta mixture a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.

    2. If using wooden skewers, we recommend soaking them in water for 30 minutes before using. If baking, skewers are optional.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 471
    • Protein 41 g
    • Carbohydrates 3 g
    • Total Fat 44 g
    • Dietary Fiber 1 g
    • Cholesterol 0 mg
    • sodium 142 mg
    • Total Sugars 1 g

    Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki

    Questions & Reviews

    Join the discussion below.

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    • Alice

      There are no bread crumbs or eggs to help hold the mixture together. Is there a trick to helping the meat stay together and on the skewer?

      Hi there, funny I just made these last night. The meat stays together just fine. If you poke around on Beef Kofta recipes, you will seen that Kofta doesn't typically have bread crumbs or eggs in them. Thanks so much.

    • Rebecca

      Can you substitute lamb for beef in this recipe or does a change to the protein require a change to the seasonings?

      It should be ok to use lamb. Use a meat thermometer to test when it is cooked through as we didn't test cook time for lamb. Hope you enjoy!

    • Raquel

      This was so flavorful and delicious! The only change I made was adding some chopped fresh mint to the meat mixture. I cooked the kebabs on my cast iron skillet and they were wonderful! Thank you so much for this recipe! It will be a staple at our home.

      Thanks Raquel, we are so happy that you loved it!

    • Jessica

      Are the herbs dried or fresh?

      They are dried. Hope you enjoy Jessica!

    • Gemma

      These look fantastic!

      Can they be frozen?

      Sure!

    • Chris

      Nice flavours but very dry. Cooked in oven for 30 minutes but maybe needed a lot less time.

      We are glad you liked it Chris! Sorry to hear it dried out. Maybe your oven runs a bit hotter. Safe to check it after 20 minutes next time maybe.

    • Kelli

      I made this recipe last night along with your lemon rice and made these into a bowl. And then for leftovers today I made pitas and put the Kofta in them! 10/10. Tastes exactly like the Greek restaurant we go to. Love your recipes!

      Thanks Kelli, we are so happy you loved it!

    • Erin

      Made these last night and wrapped it up in warm naan with all of the accoutrements and it was delicious! Excited for my leftovers!

      Thanks Erin, so happy you loved it!

    • Annie

      Love this beef kofta! I've made it several times, only ever in the oven, not grill. The flavor is great!! We follow pretty much exactly as recommended: get a giant flat pita, smear it with hummus, top with beef kofta, tomatoes, cucumbers, tzatziki (I cheat and use store bought, I know I know), feta, and minimal on the red onions bc I find them quite strong. I do omit olives, not a fan. But this is not too hard to make, very filling, and tastes great. So happy to have found this recipe!

      Thanks Annie, we are so glad you love it and have made it so many times. Totally ok to use store bought tzatziki, no judgment here!

    • Megan

      This was delicious! So easy to make, too. We served with some cucumber tomato salad and gluten-free pita.

      Thank you Megan, we are so happy that you loved it!