Beef Kofta Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
40 mins
-
Total Time
55 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
672 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
-
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Beef Kofta Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables
Description
This recipe combines lightly spiced ground beef meatballs shaped into ping-pong ball-sized portions, flavored with minced garlic, red onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. The seasoning mix gives the meatballs a warm, fragrant profile typical of Middle Eastern kofta.
The accompanying roasted vegetables include zucchini, yellow squash, grape tomatoes, and red onion tossed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roasting at a high temperature until edges brown creates a tender yet caramelized vegetable side.
The meatballs and vegetables are intended to be served over cooked rice, with additional parsley garnish to brighten the plate. The dish balances meat, vegetables, and starch for a satisfying meal with varied textures and flavors.
Substitutions for the vegetables allow for seasonal or on-sale options such as eggplant, mushrooms, or bell peppers, enhancing adaptability while maintaining complementary tastes.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables*
- 1 zucchini $0.84
- 1 yellow squash $0.58
- 1 pint grape tomatoes $1.89
- 3/4 red onion $0.48
- 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.26
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05, dried
- salt $0.05
- black pepper $0.05
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground beef $5.29
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16, minced
- 1/4 onion $0.16, red, minced
- 2 Tbsp parsley $0.11, chopped
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05, dried
- 1/4 tsp cumin $0.03
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon $0.02
- 1/8 tsp cloves $0.02
- 3/4 tsp salt $0.03
- 2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.08, generic cooking oil
Other
- 4 cups rice $0.76, cooked
- 2 Tbsp parsley $0.11, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Dice the zucchini and yellow squash. Reserve 1/4 of the red onion for the meatballs and cut the remaining 3/4 into 1-inch slices. Place the chopped zucchini, squash, onion, and grape tomatoes on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then add the garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss the vegetables in the oil and spices until they are evenly coated. Spread the vegetables out evenly over the baking sheet, then transfer them to the oven.
- Roast the vegetables in the oven for 40 minutes, or until they are wilted and browned on the edges, stirring once half way through.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the meatballs. Mince the remaining 1/4 red onion. Add the ground beef, red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and salt to a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into 16 ping pong sized meatballs. This is a good time to begin cooking your rice so that it's finished at the same time as the meatballs and vegetables.
- Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, 1 Tbsp cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add half of the meatballs and cook on each side until well browned (about 7 minutes total). Be careful as you turn the meatballs, as they can be quite delicate. If it's easier, you can flatten them into mini patty shapes. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a clean plate, add more oil to the skillet, and cook the second batch in the same manner.
- Once the meatballs are cooked and the vegetables have finished roasting, it's time to assemble the meal. Place about 1 cup cooked rice on each plate or container, add 1/4 of the roasted vegetables, then top with four of the beef kofta meatballs. Top with a little more chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetables can be substituted based on seasonality or availability; options like eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers work well in this dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 672 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 672kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Sodium | 674mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
