Koofteh is a popular Persian dish made with ground meat, rice, and herbs. This version uses beef and is served with a creamy yogurt sauce. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.
Persian Beef Koofteh with Yogurt Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish rooted in Iranian home cooking. Koofteh are large, herb-filled meatballs traditionally made with ground meat, rice, herbs, and sometimes dried fruits or split peas. This version focuses on beef, blended with fresh herbs, spices, and a tender rice base, then gently simmered until juicy and aromatic.
To prepare the koofteh, ground beef is mixed with cooked rice, finely chopped parsley, dill, mint, grated onion, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include a handful of yellow split peas or barberries for added texture and tang, though they’re optional. The mixture is formed into large, round balls — each about the size of a tennis ball — and simmered gently in a tomato-based broth until fully cooked. The broth infuses the koofteh with deep flavor and helps keep them moist.
The dish is served with a tangy yogurt sauce made from plain yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. The coolness of the sauce contrasts beautifully with the warm spices of the beef, adding brightness and balance. You can also stir in a little grated cucumber or chopped mint for a refreshing twist.
Koofteh are traditionally served with flatbread, rice, or on their own in a shallow bowl with the sauce spooned over. They’re hearty enough for a main course and often enjoyed as part of a shared family meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
What makes Persian Beef Koofteh special is the balance of herbs and spices with the richness of the beef, creating a meal that feels both nourishing and celebratory. It’s a great introduction to Persian flavors and a satisfying way to explore traditional Middle Eastern cooking in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup mint chopped
- 1 onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp turmeric ground
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp dill chopped
- 1 tbsp mint chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, grated onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Using wet hands, shape the mixture into small oval-shaped balls.
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the yogurt, chopped dill, chopped mint, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and cook over low heat until heated through.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the yogurt sauce for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the koofteh with yogurt sauce hot with rice or bread.