Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying meal made with juicy seasoned ground beef and a cool, creamy yogurt sauce. Za’atar, garlic, fresh herbs, cumin, and lemon bring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired flavors together in a simple dish that works beautifully for lunch, dinner, or casual family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef kofta recipe delivers plenty of flavor without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The kofta develops a delicious browned exterior while staying tender and juicy inside, and the tangy Greek yogurt sauce balances the warm spices perfectly.
It is also family-friendly and versatile. Serve the kofta with warm pita bread, rice, fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a mezze-style spread for an easy meal everyone can customize.
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Beef Kofta
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) ground beef, 80% lean/20% fat
- 1 tablespoon za’atar seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley or cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil, for the skillet
Instructions
- Make the yogurt sauce. Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne to a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate while preparing the kofta.
- Prepare the kofta mixture. Place the ground beef, za’atar, salt, black pepper, shallot, parsley or cilantro, garlic, and beaten egg in a large bowl.
- Mix gently. Use clean hands or a fork to combine the ingredients just until evenly incorporated. Avoid overworking the beef, which can make the cooked kofta firmer.
- Shape the kofta. Divide the mixture into small portions and form each one into a compact oblong patty. Lightly oil your hands if the mixture becomes sticky.
- Preheat the skillet. Lightly oil a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.
- Cook in batches. Arrange the kofta in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook for approximately 12–14 minutes, turning every few minutes so the outside browns evenly.
- Check for doneness. Continue cooking until the center of the kofta reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve. Plate your Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce while the kofta is warm, adding the cool yogurt sauce on the side or drizzling it over the top.
Tips & Tricks
For especially juicy kofta, use ground beef with enough fat, such as an 80/20 blend. Mix the meat only until the seasonings are incorporated; excessive mixing can create a denser texture.
Finely mince the shallot, garlic, and herbs so they distribute evenly and the patties hold together more easily. Chilling the shaped kofta for 15–20 minutes before cooking can also help them stay firm.
For a milder yogurt sauce, leave out the cayenne. For more freshness, add extra lemon juice or chopped parsley. You can also replace cilantro with parsley according to your preference.
The kofta can be grilled instead of pan-fried. Cook over medium-high heat, turning as needed, until nicely browned and the centers reach a safe internal temperature.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 34 minutes
Yield: About 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, high-protein, naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free seasonings
Notes
Serve these homemade beef kofta patties with pita bread, basmati rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, cucumber-tomato salad, or a simple green salad.
The Greek yogurt dipping sauce can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until serving. This gives the garlic, lemon, and cumin flavors additional time to blend.
For a different flavor, replace some or all of the parsley with fresh cilantro. Ground lamb can also replace the beef for a richer variation.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 360
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fat: 27 g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients, serving size, and amount of oil used.
FAQ
What is beef kofta made of?
Beef kofta is typically made from ground beef mixed with aromatics, herbs, and warm spices. This version uses shallot, garlic, za’atar, parsley or cilantro, salt, black pepper, and egg.
What sauce goes well with beef kofta?
A creamy Greek yogurt sauce is an excellent pairing. The cool yogurt, fresh lemon, garlic, and cumin complement the rich, warmly seasoned beef.
How do I keep beef kofta from falling apart?
Use finely chopped ingredients, include the beaten egg as directed, and shape the patties firmly without overworking the mixture. Let each side cook long enough to develop a crust before turning.
Can I grill beef kofta?
Yes. Beef kofta works very well on the grill. Cook over medium-high heat and turn carefully until browned and cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I make Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the yogurt sauce and kofta mixture ahead, keep them separately refrigerated, and cook the kofta when you are ready to serve.
What should I serve with beef kofta?
Try warm pita, rice, couscous, hummus, roasted vegetables, cucumber-tomato salad, or other Mediterranean side dishes.
Storage
Store leftover cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the Greek yogurt sauce in a separate covered container and refrigerate it.
For longer storage, freeze cooked kofta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat the kofta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven until thoroughly heated. Serve the yogurt sauce cold rather than reheating it.
Similar Recipes
Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup 240 g plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Beef Kofta
- 1 1/2 pounds 680 g ground beef, 80% lean/20% fat
- 1 tablespoon za’atar seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 shallot finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley or cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large egg beaten
- Olive oil for the skillet
Instructions
- Make the yogurt sauce. Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne to a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate while preparing the kofta.
- Prepare the kofta mixture. Place the ground beef, za’atar, salt, black pepper, shallot, parsley or cilantro, garlic, and beaten egg in a large bowl.
- Mix gently. Use clean hands or a fork to combine the ingredients just until evenly incorporated. Avoid overworking the beef, which can make the cooked kofta firmer.
- Shape the kofta. Divide the mixture into small portions and form each one into a compact oblong patty. Lightly oil your hands if the mixture becomes sticky.
- Preheat the skillet. Lightly oil a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.
- Cook in batches. Arrange the kofta in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook for approximately 12–14 minutes, turning every few minutes so the outside browns evenly.
- Check for doneness. Continue cooking until the center of the kofta reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve. Plate your Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce while the kofta is warm, adding the cool yogurt sauce on the side or drizzling it over the top.
Notes
Conclusion
Beef Kofta with Greek Yogurt Sauce combines juicy, warmly seasoned beef with a refreshing garlic-lemon yogurt sauce for an easy meal packed with flavor. Whether you serve it with pita, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables, it is a versatile recipe that can easily become part of your regular dinner rotation.
The simple skillet method also makes homemade kofta approachable for beginners while delivering a flavorful, family-friendly result.