These Beef Kofta Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and satisfying served in warm pita with crisp veggies and creamy mint yogurt sauce.
author’s note
Beef Kofta Meatballs From My Time In Israel!
I still think about the food I ate in Israel. Every meal seemed to include fresh herbs, warm spices, creamy sauces, fluffy pita, and vegetables that somehow tasted even better than anywhere else. It completely changed the way I thought about simple meals.
Since coming home, I’ve already recreated a few of a reliable dishes, including Shakshuka and Mujadara, and they’ve quickly become regulars in our dinner rotation. So naturally, beef kofta was next on my list!
For this recipe, I took all those incredible flavors I fell in love with and turned them into straightforward-to-make meatballs. They’re evenly seasoned, tender on the inside, beautifully browned on the outside, and absolutely made for stuffing into warm charred pita with cool Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, lettuce, quick pickled onions, and the most amazing mint yogurt sauce.
This is one of those meals that feels fresh, hearty, and packed with flavor all at the same time. My whole family loves it, and every bite takes me right back to that unforgettable trip.
Beef Kofta Meatballs Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips or Swaps |
|---|---|
| 80/20 Ground Beef | The extra fat keeps the meatballs juicy. Ground lamb or a beef/lamb blend also works well. |
| Grated Red Onion | Grating the onion helps it melt right into the meat mixture for the most tender meatballs. |
| Cumin & Coriander | These spices are the heart of the flavor, so I don’t recommend skipping them. |
| Paprika, Turmeric, & Cinnamon | This trio adds warmth and earthy flavor. Scale up or down based on your personal preference. |
| Fresh Mint & Cilantro | Swap the cilantro for parsley if preferred. |
| Greek Yogurt | Full-fat Greek yogurt makes the creamiest mint yogurt sauce, but low-fat works too. |
How To Make Beef Kofta Meatballs (Tips)
Here are some recipe tips to help you make these satisfying meatballs:
- Beef choice: Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and juiciness.
- Grating the onion: Grate the onion to spread its flavor evenly.
- Seasoning: The spice blend gives the meatballs their Middle Eastern taste. Adjust to your liking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the meat just until combined to avoid dense meatballs.
How To Enjoy These Beef Kofta Meatballs
- In a pita: Char the pitas, spread with yogurt, add veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, and pickled onions, then top with meatballs and sauce.
- Over couscous: Spread Greek yogurt on a plate, top with couscous, meatballs, and veggies or Israeli Salad. Drizzle with mint-yogurt sauce.
How To Char Pita
To char pitas on an open stovetop flame: Heat a gas burner to medium-high. Brush both sides with olive oil, then use tongs to lower each pita onto the flames, rotating for even charring on both sides.
Salads To Pair With Beef Kofta Meatballs
Salads
Cucumber Feta Salad
Salads
Moroccan Carrot Salad
Salads
Cucumber Pepper Salad
Healthy
Chickpea Salad Recipe
