Name: Beef Kofta With Greek Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat); 1 tablespoon za’atar seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 shallot, finely minced (≈ 1/3 cup or 40 g); 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley or cilantro, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 egg, beaten

Description

A Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy, spiced beef kofta served with a tangy, creamy Greek yogurt sauce. This easy and flavorful meal is ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)

1 tablespoon za’atar seasoning

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 shallot, finely minced (≈ 1/3 cup or 40 g)

2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley or cilantro, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together all Greek yogurt sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, za’atar, salt, pepper, shallot, herbs, garlic, and egg. Mix just until combined.
Form the mixture into small oblong patties. Lightly oil hands to prevent sticking.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat grill or oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the kofta in the skillet, turning every couple of minutes, for 12–14 minutes or until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Serve kofta hot with prepared Greek yogurt sauce on the side.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness.
Kofta can be grilled or baked instead of pan-fried.
Prep the kofta mixture and sauce ahead to save time.
Serve with pita, tabbouleh, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives for a full Mediterranean spread.
If you don’t have za’atar, use a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of sumac.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg