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Beef Kofta with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki
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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.