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Baked Kofta Kebab with Roasted Vegetables

Baked Kofta Kebab is a flavorful and convenient take on the traditional Middle Eastern dish, offering a juicy, well-seasoned ground beef mixture baked to perfection with a topping of roasted tomatoes and onions. Kofta, a term used across various cuisines, refers to spiced ground meat shaped into patties or skewers. This version simplifies the process by baking the kofta in a single dish, making it an easy yet satisfying meal. The combination of warm spices, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables creates a rich and balanced flavor profile. Serve it with rice, salad, and pita for a complete meal, or pair it with a cooling yogurt sauce for contrast. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish brings the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table with minimal effort.

Main | Middle Eastern | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Ground Meat Dish | Baking Dish | Food Processor | Oven | Beef | Garlic | Onion | Tomato | Baking | Broiling | Chopping | Casual Gathering | Weeknight
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

50min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

1h 5min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)
  • 680 g (1.5 lb) ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp ground allspice
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 small-medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 12
  • Protein: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 1.5
Directions

Preparation

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Mixing the Kofta

  • 2. In a food processor, pulse the parsley, bell pepper, jalapeño, onion, and garlic until finely chopped but not overly wet.
  • 3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the ground beef, tomato paste, allspice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.

Shaping and Baking

  • 4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into an 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) baking dish.
  • 5. Arrange the sliced tomatoes and onions in a flat layer on top. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
  • 6. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, drain excess liquid if desired, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.

Finishing

  • 7. Broil for 1 minute to lightly caramelize the top.

Serving

  • 8. Cut into 4 portions and serve with rice, salad, pita, or yogurt sauce.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Shape the kofta into patties and grill them instead of baking.

Alternative Proteins

  • Try lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for a richer flavor.

Baking

  • Draining excess liquid halfway through baking prevents the dish from becoming too watery.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add cumin and coriander for a deeper spice profile.

Healthier Variation

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.

Mixing the Kofta

  • Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the kofta tender.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Use roasted eggplant or zucchini slices instead of tomatoes for a winter variation.

Serving

  • Pair with a cooling yogurt sauce or fresh herbs for added freshness.