Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki and Pita

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

Juicy ground beef and lamb kofta seasoned with warm spices, grilled to perfection and served with cooling cucumber tzatziki and warm pita bread for a Mediterranean feast. This middle eastern-inspired beef (mediterranean) ready in about 32 minutes pairs ground beef, ground lamb, small onion, finely grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 8 oz ground beef, 8 oz ground lamb, 1 small finely grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 8 oval koftas about 3 inches long. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 medium grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Warm 4 pieces pita bread in the oven or on a skillet. Serve the koftas with pita and a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki and Pita take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki and Pita?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki and Pita?

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 Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki and Pita 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 Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki and Pita?

Middle Eastern beef 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.

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