Twisted Beef Koftas Middle Eastern Meatballs

Experience bold, aromatic flavors with these Twisted Beef Koftas, a Middle Eastern-inspired take on classic meatballs. Bursting with the perfect balance of warm spices like cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon, these juicy koftas are elevated by fresh parsley, grated onion, and minced garlic. Whether pan-seared to golden perfection or grilled for a smoky char, they deliver a mouthwatering bite every time. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, serve these savory delights with fluffy flatbread, creamy yogurt sauce, or a crisp side salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Quick to prepare, cook, and enjoy, they’re a deliciously versatile addition to your menu! Perfect keywords include "Middle Eastern koftas," "beef meatballs recipe," and "spiced beef koftas."

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium Onion, finely grated
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

Step 2

Add the ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3

If the mixture feels too wet, add the breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. Mix again until cohesive but not overly dry.

Step 4

Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions (depending on the size preferred). Shape each portion into an elongated oval—a classic kofta shape—around your fingers or a small skewer if you plan to grill them.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the koftas and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.

Step 6

Alternatively, you can grill the koftas on a preheated grill for the same amount of time, ensuring even cooking on each side.

Step 7

Remove the koftas from the skillet or grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Step 8

Serve hot with flatbread, a dollop of yogurt sauce, fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(701.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1703.6

Total Fat 131.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 345.1mg	0%
Sodium 2912.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.3g	0%
Total Sugars 7.8g
Protein 90.6g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 227.1mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 1716.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.3%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 9.5%