Greek kofta in tomato sauce
A Mediterranean classic
Here’s another one of our favorite recipes from around the world.
This time, we’re heading to Greece with kofta. These flavorful meat rolls are gently simmered in a delicious tomato sauce with bell pepper and zucchini. You may have seen ready-made kofta seasoning mixes at the store, but trust us, homemade tastes so much better. And the best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
What is kofta?
Kofta originated in the Middle East and South Asia, and the name roughly translates to “meatball.” Every region has its own version. Turkish Kofte are often cooked quickly and seasoned more simply, while Greek kofta are a little milder but still packed with herbs and spices. Our version is made with ground beef, warm spices, and a Mediterranean-style vegetable tomato sauce.
Flavorful meatballs
For the kofta, we use 11 oz ground beef, mixed with an egg, breadcrumbs, a finely chopped shallot, a garlic clove, and a blend of cumin, paprika, nutmeg, and oregano. These seasonings make all the difference, giving the meatballs a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce. Shape the mixture into rolls, brown them briefly, then let them simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes.
The sauce
The sauce is simple but full of flavor. It’s made with a can of diced tomatoes, along with sliced zucchini and diced bell pepper. We season it with cumin, paprika, oregano, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little cayenne pepper for some heat. As the sauce gently simmers, all those flavors soak into the kofta, creating the classic Greek-inspired flavor.
Serve with something fresh
We always serve this Greek kofta in tomato sauce with white rice so none of that flavorful sauce goes to waste. A side of tzatziki is the perfect fresh contrast to the warm spices. Add a simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s full of flavor without a lot of fuss.
Greek kofta in tomato sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Greek Kofta in Tomato Sauce is an easy Mediterranean dinner with seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, zucchini, and bell peppers. Delicious served with rice or tzatziki.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 11 oz ground beef
- 2 bell peppers (red and/or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 shallots
- 1 zucchini
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine 11 oz ground beef with 1 egg, 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 1 finely chopped shallot, 1 finely chopped garlic clove, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small rolls or meatballs, about 3/4 ounce (20 g) each.
- Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Meanwhile, finely chop 1 shallot and 1 garlic clove. Slice 1 zucchini into half-moons and cut 2 bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the shallot and garlic in the same skillet used for the meatballs. Add the zucchini and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently stir them into the sauce. If needed, add a little water until the meatballs are just covered. Cover with a lid and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking. Serve with white rice, fresh parsley if desired, and tzatziki.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
