Spiced Beef Koftas with Tzatziki and Warm Pita

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

Juicy and fragrant ground beef koftas seasoned with cumin and coriander, served alongside cooling cucumber tzatziki and soft warm pita bread. This Middle Eastern-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs ground beef, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 minced garlic cloves, 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 eight evenly sized oval koftas about 3 inches long.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the koftas and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While the koftas cook, make tzatziki by stirring together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated cucumber (well drained), 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Warm 4 pita breads in a dry skillet or the oven wrapped in foil for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot koftas on plates with a dollop of tzatziki and warm pita on the side for assembling wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Beef Koftas with Tzatziki and Warm Pita take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Koftas with Tzatziki and Warm 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 Koftas with Tzatziki and Warm 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 Koftas with Tzatziki and Warm 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 Koftas with Tzatziki and Warm 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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