Oh, honey, let me tell you about my Grilled Ground Beef Kofta – it’s been stealing the show at our Sunday dinners for years! There’s just something magical about those juicy, spice-kissed beef patties sizzling on the grill that brings everyone running to the table. What I love most (besides how my grandkids gobble it up) is how simple it is to throw together.
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A handful of pantry spices, some fresh herbs, and that gorgeous yogurt sauce come together in minutes flat. The flavors? Bold enough to make your taste buds dance, but comforting like your favorite well-worn apron. Trust me, once you try this Middle Eastern-inspired dish with its cool cucumber salad and warm pita, you’ll understand why it’s become our family’s most-requested meal.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Ground Beef Kofta
- Weeknight hero – Ready in under 30 minutes from bowl to table
- Flavor bomb – Warm spices and fresh herbs create an unforgettable taste
- Surprisingly lean – 96% lean beef keeps it light
- Meal chameleon – Perfect for pita pockets, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps
- Crowd-pleaser – Makes perfect for gatherings
- Meal prep dream – Patties freeze beautifully for future meals
With bold Middle Eastern flavors and fresh ingredients, this kofta delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort – making it a weeknight lifesaver and weekend favorite!
Ingredients for Grilled Ground Beef Kofta
For the Kofta Patties:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (I swear by Laura’s Lean 96% lean – not packed)
- 1 small yellow onion, grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin (the secret spice)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp allspice (don’t skip this!)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk works best)
- 1 tbsp tahini (stir well before measuring)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is key)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 1 small cucumber, diced (2 cups)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sumac (optional)
How to Make Grilled Ground Beef Kofta
Preparing the Kofta Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground beef with grated onion, parsley, garlic, and all spices (cumin, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper). Gently mix with clean hands – don’t overwork the meat. Divide into 8 equal portions and form into oval patties (about 1/2-inch thick). Chill for 15 minutes – this helps them hold their shape on the grill.
Making the Yogurt Sauce
While patties chill, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving – the flavors will meld beautifully.
Assembling the Cucumber Salad
In a medium bowl, toss diced cucumber, red onion, and mint with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. For an authentic Middle Eastern touch, sprinkle with sumac if using.
Grilling the Kofta
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving – this keeps them juicy!
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Juicy Grilled Ground Beef Kofta Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes
Grilled Ground Beef Kofta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring spiced beef patties served with yogurt sauce, cucumber salad, and pita bread.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Laura’s Lean™ 96% Lean Ground Beef
- 1 tsp. coriander
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp. tahini
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1 small cucumber, (2 cups diced)
- 5 oz. cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 oz. fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- pinch of salt and pepper
- pita bread
- rice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Mix with hands just until combined. Form into 8 small oblong patties. Chill in refrigerator until ready to grill.
- In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, tahini, grated garlic, and lemon juice. Chill in refrigerator until serving.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced cucumber, quartered tomatoes, mint together. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil and toss together. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat grill over medium-high heat. Place beef patties over direct heat and grill for 4-5 minutes. Flip over and grill for another 3-4 minutes, until meat is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve spiced beef patties over rice and top with yogurt sauce and the cucumber and tomato salad. Serve with pita bread.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for best results.
- Chill the patties before grilling to help them hold their shape.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Tips for Perfect Grilled Cold Beef Kofta
For juicy, flavorful kofta every time:
- Chill the patties for at least 15 minutes before grilling – this prevents falling apart
- Use cold hands when mixing to keep the fat from melting
- Don’t overmix the meat – handle gently for tender patties
- Make a test patty first to check seasoning
- Grill on medium-high heat – no flare-ups
- Let rest 5 minutes after grilling for juicier kofta
With these pro tips, you’ll get perfectly juicy, flavorful kofta every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Ground Beef Kofta
This versatile dish shines with:
- Pita pockets – Warm and stuff with kofta, cucumber salad, and yogurt sauce
- Fluffy basmati rice – Spoon kofta over rice with extra sauce
- Flatbread – Use as a wrap with all components
- Mezze platter – Serve with hummus, olives, and feta
- Fresh herbs – Top with mint or parsley for vibrant finish
- Extra lemon wedges – For bright finishing touch
With endless pairing options, this kofta adapts to any meal – from quick lunches to festive gatherings!
Storing and Reheating Grilled Ground Beef
For best results with leftovers:
- Store components separately – Keep patties, sauce, and salad in airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze patties (sauce and salad don’t freeze well)
- Reheat patties in 350°F oven for 10 minutes
- Or skillet method – Medium heat 2-3 minutes per side
With proper storage and gentle reheating, your leftover kofta will taste just-made!
Grilled Ground Beef Kofta Variations
This adaptable recipe welcomes creative twists:
- Lamb – Swap for beef (use 85% lean)
- Chicken – Lighter option with 93% lean
- Parsley – Substitute mint in cucumber salad
- Harissa – Add 1 tsp to yogurt sauce
- Za’atar – Sprinkle on pita before serving
- Pomegranate – Swap sumac for molasses
With these flavor variations, this kofta becomes endless new dishes – from spicy harissa to sweet pomegranate versions!
Grilled Ground Beef Kofta FAQs
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be slightly less charred but just as juicy. For best results, use a wire rack to allow airflow.
Can I make the patties ahead?
Yes – Form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze raw between parchment for 1 month (thaw overnight in fridge).
What’s the best way to prevent sticking?
Two tricks:
- Oil grill grates when cool
- Wait for before flipping
Can I use 85% lean beef?
You can, but 96% lean yields leaner patties without drying out. If using 85%, handle gently and chill patties longer.
What’s a tahini substitute?
Try Greek yogurt (skip tahini) or hummus (use 2 tbsp). For nut-free, omit tahini.
Estimates vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: 280 per serving (2 kofta + 1/4 cup sauce + 1/2 cup salad)
- Total Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g (3g fiber)
- Sodium: 420mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- With 96% lean beef and Greek yogurt, this kofta delivers lean protein with 12g fat!
Share Your Grilled Ground Beef Kofta Experience
We’d love to see your kofta creations! Tag @Laura on Instagram and use #GrilledKofta – we might feature your flavor twists.
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