Name: Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490092H35M12S
Total time: PT-490092H35M12S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes; Skewers

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If you’re craving something juicy, aromatic, and irresistibly satisfying, this Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef infused with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, gently grilled or baked until perfectly cooked. These koftas are incredibly versatile—great for wraps, served over rice, or tossed in a fresh salad. This recipe is a celebration of authentic flavors that come together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making flavorful entertaining or a weeknight dinner a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven skewers of meat arranged horizontally on a grill. The top four skewers have browned, cooked meat with a textured surface showing grill marks, and the bottom three skewers have uncooked, raw meat that is pinkish with visible green herbs mixed in. The skewers are evenly spaced, with the cooked ones above and the raw ones below. The grill bars are black and glossy under the skewers, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing a unique note to the symphony of flavors and textures in the kofta kebabs. From the fragrant spices to the fresh herbs, everything plays a crucial role in creating that signature taste.

1 lb ground beef: Choose good-quality beef for a juicy and rich texture that forms the base of your kebabs.
1 small onion, grated: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to keep the koftas tender.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat with delicious depth and a pungent kick.
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings freshness and color, brightening every bite.
1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is a classic Middle Eastern spice that sets the tone.
1 teaspoon coriander: Adds a slightly citrusy and nutty flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
1 teaspoon paprika: Provides mild smokiness and a vibrant red color.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Just a whisper of sweetness and warmth to deepen the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and spices.
½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the seasoning perfectly.
Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes: For those who love a bit of extra heat and boldness in their kebabs.
Skewers: Essential for shaping and grilling the kebabs evenly.

How to Make Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

Start by combining the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Then add the spices—cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the mixture feels slightly sticky, which means the meat and spices are well integrated and ready to hold their shape.

Step 2: Shape the Kebabs

To make shaping easier and prevent sticking, wet your hands with a little water. Take portions of the meat mixture and mold them onto skewers into long, oval shapes. This traditional shape helps cook the kebabs evenly and makes for easy handling on the grill or in the oven.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

If grilling, heat your grill to medium and place the skewers directly on the grates. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the outsides are beautifully browned and the inside is fully cooked. For an indoor option, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake the kebabs on a lined tray for 15 to 18 minutes. Either method locks in juice while allowing the spices to shine.

How to Serve Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with a layer of light brown couscous mixed with chopped tomatoes and pomegranate seeds, creating a colorful and textured base. On top of the couscous, there are four grilled meat skewers, dark brown with a slightly crispy surface, evenly spaced and laid horizontally. Thin lines of white sauce are drizzled over the skewers in a neat, zigzag pattern. The background is a white marbled texture with a cut-open pomegranate slightly visible in the upper corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes elevate this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or mint over the cooked kebabs for extra herbal brightness. A drizzle of cool, creamy tzatziki or a dollop of garlicky yogurt sauce adds a tangy contrast that complements the smoky spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these kofta kebabs alongside warm pita bread, fluffy basmati rice, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad to round out the meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple tabbouleh also pair beautifully with the robust flavors and make for a well-balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Use these Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe to build loaded wraps, stacking the kofta with crunchy lettuce, pickled onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Or create colorful Mediterranean bowls with grains, grilled veggies, and a lemony dressing for a vibrant feast that will impress everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover kofta kebabs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick protein-packed lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked kofta kebabs by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Cook them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover kebabs gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out the meat, but it works fine in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use lamb instead of beef?

Absolutely! Many traditional kofta recipes use lamb or a mix of lamb and beef. Substituting lamb will give you a richer, slightly gamier flavor that’s delicious.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

While this recipe focuses on beef, you can try using plant-based ground meat substitutes or combine mashed chickpeas and spices for a similarly spiced vegetarian kofta alternative.

How do I prevent the koftas from falling apart on the grill?

Wet your hands before shaping the kebabs and ensure the mixture is well combined and sticky. Chilling the shaped kebabs in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking also helps them hold together better.

What sauces go well with Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe?

Tzatziki, tahini sauce, or even a spicy harissa sauce work wonderfully as accompaniments that enhance the middle eastern flavors without overpowering the meat.

Can I prepare the kofta mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the meat and spices and store the mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. This actually helps the flavors meld together more deeply.

Final Thoughts

This Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together with its inviting aroma, bold spices, and juicy texture. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these kebabs promise a deliciously rewarding experience every single time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how a handful of simple ingredients transforms into something so spectacularly tasty.

Alice

Flavorful Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need