this beef kofta-inspired bowl with tzatziki is a wonderful build your own bowl dish for the entire family. it has a triple punch of protein between the ground beef filling, the tzatziki sauce and the rice cooked in beef broth. it’s also a great way to introduce new spices to your family without overwhelming them. I top these bowls with colorful and flavorful garnishes for a flavor powerhouse.
ingredients:
here is the ingredient line up…
- ground beef: I use a lean ground beef in this recipe to yield a better protein to fat ratio.
- vegetables: the filling is enhanced with sautéed red onion and fresh garlic.
- bone broth: this adds protein to the dish as well as nutrients. this is my favorite brand.
- tomato paste: adds richness and depth to the beef kofta filling.
- spices: ground cumin, granulated garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes and a touch of cinnamon gives the filling traditional flavors of classic beef kofta.
- arrowroot: thickens the filling for a gravy-like sauce.
- fresh mint: heightens the rich spices and flavor profile with a burst of freshness.
- steamed rice: I cook organic jasmine rice in beef bone broth with kosher salt and butter.
- tzatziki sauce: greek yogurt, avocado oil mayonnaise, fresh lemon, cucumber and herbs are the form of this protein-packed sauce.
- fun garnishes: sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, pickled red onions, sliced feta cheese, fresh mint and castelvetrano olives are my favorite bowl garnishes.
how to make:
this dish is simple to execute but just requires a little planning. I make the tzatziki first to chill in the fridge. You can get your rice cooking next while you prepare your garnishes. finally, a quick filling of beef and spices in a large saute pan finishes the dish components. top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
menu ideas:
this beef kofta-inspired bowl with tzatziki can be versatile for different meal times.
- weeknight family dinner: serve beef kofta bowls stand-alone with plenty of garnishes.
- couples dinners party: serve beef kofta bowls alongside my greek salad with pistachios and my candy bar date bark for dessert.
- extra protein: serve beef kofta bowls with my Korean marinated eggs.
Beef Kofta-Inspired Bowl with Tzatziki
This Beef Kofta-Inspired Bowl with Tzatziki is a flavor explosion in a bowl and triple packed with protein.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup red onion diced small
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves grated on the microplane
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 20 turns fresh-cracked black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon arrowroot
- 1 Tablespoon fresh mint minced
- Garnishes: sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, pickled red onions, sliced feta, fresh mint leaves and sliced castelvetrano olives.
Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup homemade aioli or avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon fresh mint minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 turns freshly-cracked black pepper
- ½ cup english or skinless cucumber finely minced
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your tzatziki. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk together until well combined. Let chill in the refrigerator while preparing garnishes and beef kofta filling.
- Prepare steamed rice if you wish to serve it with the beef kofta filling. I cook mine in beef broth instead of water.
- Next, prep your desired kofta bowl garnishes. Add to a plate for everyone to add their own garnishes and set aside.
- In a large saute pan over medium high heat, add your olive oil and ground beef. Begin breaking up ground beef and letting it brown.
- Add in your spices, salt and pepper and continue breaking up until beef is cooked through.
- Stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer on low until filling is thickened, 10 minutes.
- Stir in arrowroot to thicken and let simmer an additional 1-2 minutes. Set pan off heat and stir in fresh mint.
- Serve Beef Kofta Filling in bowls alongside rice with a scoop of tzatziki and your desired garnishes.
