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Close-up of grilled Mediterranean Beef Kofta skewers garnished with parsley and lemon zest, served with flatbread, tzatziki, and a fresh salad.

Mediterranean Beef Kofta

These easy grilled Mediterranean Beef Kofta kebabs are packed with aromatic spices and herbs. A simple, flavorful, and healthy dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 small onion, cut into chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90%)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice or cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Olive oil, for brushing grill
  • 1 cup plain reduced-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh mint or dill (or 1/4 tsp dried)
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • Flatbread and sliced cucumber, tomato, onion (optional, for serving)

Equipment

  • Mini food processor or box grater
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. Add onion, garlic, and parsley to a mini food processor and pulse until finely chopped. If no processor, grate/chop manually. Transfer to mixing bowl.
  2. Add ground beef, cumin, coriander, allspice (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently mix until just combined.
  3. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and form each onto skewers in oval kebab shapes. Ensure uniform thickness. Soak wooden skewers if using.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil grill. Grill kofta for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
  5. To make tzatziki, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, mint or dill, and salt. Mix until creamy. Refrigerate until serving.

Notes

You can substitute the beef with lamb, turkey, or chicken for variation. Chill the kebabs before grilling to help them hold shape. Don’t skip the fresh herbs for best flavor. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop or grate ingredients by hand.