Beef Kofta with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki – Bold And Flavorful

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, this Beef Kofta with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki is the perfect dish. The beef koftas are seasoned with bold spices, grilled to perfection, and paired with aromatic rice pilaf and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This meal is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dish? Let’s get started!

Annie Graves

Beef Kofta with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki

5 from 1 vote

Try this Beef Kofta with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki! Flavorful grilled beef koftas served with aromatic rice pilaf and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious Mediterranean meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Kofta

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb, or a mix of both
• 1 small onion finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for grilling

For the Rice Pilaf

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice rinsed
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric optional, for color
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts optional
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber grated and drained
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Pita bread for serving
• A side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables

Substitutions

• Vegan Kofta: Use plant-based ground meat and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free just ensure your broth is gluten-free for the rice pilaf.

Method

 

Make the Kofta Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions and shape them into small oblong patties or around skewers.

Grill the Beef Kofta

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grates with olive oil.
3. Grill the koftas for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Prepare the Rice Pilaf

1. While the koftas are grilling, heat butter or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff with a fork and stir in the slivered almonds or pine nuts (if using).
8. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill or mint, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Dish

1. Serve the grilled beef koftas alongside the rice pilaf and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pita bread or a side salad if desired.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450-500
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the koftas in a hot skillet with a little oil. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  • For added texture, feel free to add chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the kofta mixture.
  • If you prefer a spicier tzatziki, stir in a little bit of harissa or sriracha for a kick.

Variations:

• Lamb Kofta: Use ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional flavor.
• Spicy Kofta: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the kofta mixture for more heat.
• Vegetarian Kofta: Make a meatless version using chickpeas, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: Serve the koftas with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also wrap them in flatbreads with tzatziki and salad for a delicious sandwich.
• Make It Ahead: You can make the kofta mixture and tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before grilling.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the koftas and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Wrapping It Up:

And there you have it—Beef Kofta with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki that’s packed with bold Mediterranean flavors! The juicy grilled koftas, paired with the aromatic rice pilaf and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, create a balanced and delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a favorite. So fire up the grill, cook that rice, and enjoy a mouthwatering Mediterranean feast!

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