Beef Kofta Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Beef Kofta Meatballs are a flavorful and aromatic dish inspired by Middle Eastern spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, they combine tender ground beef with fresh herbs and warming garam masala. Easy to make and cook in an air fryer or oven, they bring a delicious twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium grated white onion
• 1 chopped jalapeño (seeded for less spice)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
• 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, chopped jalapeño, egg, bread crumbs, cilantro, mint, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
3. Step 3: Using a small ice cream scoop or about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, shape the beef into evenly sized meatballs.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
5. Step 5: Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
6. Step 6: Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs on a greased baking sheet for 12-14 minutes until fully cooked.

Tips & Variations

• For milder meatballs, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
• Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Serve with a cooling yogurt sauce or tahini for contrast.
• Substitute ground lamb for a richer flavor.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, baking works just as well for tender, juicy meatballs.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave until heated through. These meatballs also freeze well; freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these kofta meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them raw and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with beef kofta meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with flatbreads, rice, or couscous. Add some fresh salad or grilled vegetables and a tangy yogurt or tahini sauce to complete the meal.

Beef Kofta Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 18 meatballs 1x

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Description

This Beef Kofta Meatballs recipe features flavorful, spiced ground beef mixed with fresh herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection using either an air fryer or oven. These juicy, aromatic meatballs make a perfect appetizer or main dish, combining the warmth of garam masala with the freshness of cilantro and mint for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium grated white onion
• 1 chopped jalapeño (seeded for less spice)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
• 1 Tablespoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, grated white onion, chopped jalapeño, egg, bread crumbs, cilantro, mint, garam masala powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all ingredients together until fully incorporated, ensuring the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.
3. Shape Meatballs: Using a small ice cream scoop or by hand, shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 2 tablespoons each in size, making sure they are uniform for even cooking.
4. Prepare Cooking Surface: Lightly grease or spray the air fryer basket or a baking sheet if using the oven to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking.
6. Air Fry Method: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed, until cooked through and browned on the outside.
7. Oven Bake Method: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
8. Serve: Remove meatballs from the air fryer or oven and serve hot as an appetizer or as part of your favorite meal.

Notes

• For less heat, remove seeds from jalapeño before chopping.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Can serve with yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes air frying or 14 minutes baking
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: Beef Kofta, meatballs, air fryer meatballs, garam masala, Middle Eastern recipe, spicy beef