Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Prepare the vegetable base and place it in the baking dish, then mix and form the kofta. Store both components separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, place the kofta on top of the vegetables and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since everything will be cold.

How do I know when the kofta is fully cooked?

The kofta should reach an internal temperature of 160°F when tested with a meat thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open - it should be completely brown throughout with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Can I make this dish with ground chicken or turkey instead?

Yes! Ground poultry works well as a substitute for beef. Since poultry is leaner, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the meat mixture to keep it moist. You may also want to reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes, as ground poultry tends to cook faster than beef.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I leave out the jalapeño?

Definitely! You can omit the jalapeño entirely for a milder dish. For a hint of flavor without the heat, you could substitute a small amount of bell pepper or add a teaspoon of paprika to the meat mixture instead.

Beef Kofta Bake Recipe

Name: Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Middle-Eastern
Ingredients: 2 zucchinis, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters; 1 large carrot, sliced; 1 large red onion, quartered; 10 garlic cloves; 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

This mouthwatering Beef Kofta Bake combines tender, aromatic meatballs with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables for a complete one-dish meal. The juicy kofta, infused with fresh herbs and spices, rest atop a bed of hearty vegetables that soak up all the savory flavors while roasting to perfection. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor impact, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something substantial yet simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to take care of other things while dinner essentially makes itself.
Perfectly Balanced: The combination of protein-rich kofta and a variety of vegetables creates a nutritionally complete meal without needing additional sides.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the components in advance and simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our kofta, providing rich flavor and satisfying protein. Choose 80/20 for the juiciest results.
Zucchini: Adds freshness and subtle sweetness to the vegetable medley. No need to peel – the skin adds color and nutrients.
Potatoes: Provide hearty substance and absorb the delicious cooking juices. The quartered pieces become wonderfully tender.
Carrot: Contributes natural sweetness and beautiful color to the dish, becoming delightfully tender in the oven.
Red Onion: Offers a slightly sweet onion flavor that mellows beautifully during roasting, infusing everything with aromatic goodness.
Garlic Cloves: Whole cloves roast into sweet, mellow flavor bombs. Don’t worry about the quantity – they become incredibly mild.
Diced Tomatoes: Create a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps everything moist and develops into a light natural sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro bring brightness and authentic Middle Eastern flavor to the kofta mixture.
Jalapeño: Adds a gentle heat to the kofta. Remove the seeds and membranes for mild flavor or keep some for extra kick.
Egg: Acts as a binder to help the kofta hold their shape during cooking without becoming tough.
Breadcrumbs: Help maintain moisture while providing structure to the kofta. Use panko for lighter texture.
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika create layers of flavor that permeate both the vegetables and meat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Meat Options

Try ground lamb for an even more authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile, or use half beef and half lamb for the best of both worlds. Ground turkey or chicken can work for a lighter version, though you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain juiciness.

Vegetable Swaps

Feel free to customize the vegetable base with whatever’s in season. Bell peppers, eggplant, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes all work beautifully. Just cut everything into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

Spice Adventures

Experiment with additional spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, or allspice in the kofta mixture for even more complex flavor. A pinch of sumac or za’atar sprinkled over everything before serving adds an authentic touch.

Cheese Addition

Try nestling small pieces of feta cheese into the vegetable mixture before baking, or sprinkle some on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking time for a tangy, creamy element.

How to Make Beef Kofta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, combine the sliced zucchinis, quartered potatoes, sliced carrot, quartered red onion, whole garlic cloves, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with half the salt, half the pepper, all of the smoked paprika, and drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.

Step 2: Mix the Kofta

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and seeded jalapeño. Add the remaining salt and pepper, the egg, and breadcrumbs. Using clean hands, gently mix until everything is incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the kofta tough.

Step 3: Form and Arrange the Kofta

Take portions of the beef mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and form them into ball shapes. Place these kofta balls on top of the vegetable mixture in your baking dish, spacing them evenly so they cook uniformly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. The foil helps trap moisture, ensuring the vegetables cook through properly and the kofta remains juicy. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are fork-tender.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the kofta ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough meatballs.
Uniform Sizing: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. The potatoes generally need to be larger than the other vegetables since they take longer to cook.
Check Halfway: At about the 40-minute mark, quickly peek under the foil to ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If it looks dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the flavors settle and juices redistribute.
Season Boldly: Don’t be shy with herbs and spices – they make this dish special. If you’re uncertain about quantities, start with the recipe as written, then adjust to your taste next time.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Beef Kofta Bake with warm pita bread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious juices. A simple side of Greek yogurt mixed with a little minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt makes a fantastic cooling sauce to dollop over each serving.

Garnish Options

Brighten up each plate with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a scattering of toasted pine nuts. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving adds a wonderful finishing touch.

Complete the Meal

For a full spread, add a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The fresh, crisp elements complement the rich, tender baked ingredients perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight, making this dish perfect for planned leftovers.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully for easy future meals. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Prepare the vegetable base and place it in the baking dish, then mix and form the kofta. Store both components separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, place the kofta on top of the vegetables and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since everything will be cold.
How do I know when the kofta is fully cooked?

The kofta should reach an internal temperature of 160°F when tested with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open – it should be completely brown throughout with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.
Can I make this dish with ground chicken or turkey instead?

Yes! Ground poultry works well as a substitute for beef. Since poultry is leaner, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the meat mixture to keep it moist. You may also want to reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes, as ground poultry tends to cook faster than beef.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I leave out the jalapeño?

Definitely! You can omit the jalapeño entirely for a milder dish. For a hint of flavor without the heat, you could substitute a small amount of bell pepper or add a teaspoon of paprika to the meat mixture instead.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Kofta Bake brings together aromatic Middle Eastern flavors in a fuss-free, comforting dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a harmonious combination of tender meatballs and vegetables that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether for a family dinner or casual entertaining, this one-pan wonder proves that impressive meals don’t need to be complicated. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to transform humble ingredients into something truly special!