Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East? This Kofta Ground Beef Bowl with Garlic Tzatziki is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. With tender, spiced kofta patties resting on a bed of fluffy rice, all drizzled with a creamy, zesty garlic tzatziki, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your dinner table. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and parsley, and grate the cucumber. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the beef mixture into small, oval-shaped patties or meatballs, about 1 to 2 inches in size. This should yield approximately 12-16 kofta pieces.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
- Once the oil is hot, add the kofta patties to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- While the kofta is cooking, prepare the garlic tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once the kofta are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- To serve, divide the cooked rice evenly between two bowls. Top each bowl with the kofta patties.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the garlic tzatziki sauce over the kofta and rice. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped parsley or a slice of lemon for freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious Kofta Ground Beef Bowl with Garlic Tzatziki!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the kofta mixture and tzatziki sauce a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the kofta to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile.
- Cooking in Batches: If your skillet isn't large enough to cook all the kofta at once, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Perfect Tzatziki: For an extra refreshing tzatziki, squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel. This will keep your sauce thick and creamy.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or even some sliced olives for added flavor and color.
- Serve with Sides: Consider serving your kofta bowls with pita bread or a simple salad to complement the meal and add variety.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any kofta or tzatziki left over, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day! Just reheat the kofta and enjoy them in a wrap or as part of a salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
