Sheet Pan Ground Lamb Kofta with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spiced ground lamb kofta meatballs roasted on a sheet pan and served with a warm, aromatic tomato sauce, a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dinner. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 40 minutes blends ground lamb, small, grated onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 small oval meatballs (koftas) about 1.5 inches long and place them spaced evenly on a large rimmed sheet pan.
  3. Step 3: Roast the koftas in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve the roasted lamb koftas over the spiced tomato sauce with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Ground Lamb Kofta with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Ground Lamb Kofta with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Ground Lamb Kofta with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sheet Pan Ground Lamb Kofta with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Ground Lamb Kofta with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Middle Eastern lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes