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Different views of Indian meatball curry (kofta curry) served in a red cast iron dish along with flat bread, onion and lemon slices.
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Different views of Indian meatball curry (kofta curry) served in a red cast iron dish along with flat bread, onion and lemon slices.
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Home » Recipes » Indian

Kofta Curry (Beef Meatball Curry)

Published: Apr 29, 2019 Updated: Sep 18, 2023 Author: Roxana Begum· This post may contain affiliate links.

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Different views of Indian meatball curry (kofta curry) served in a red cast iron dish along with flat bread, onion and lemon slices.

Kofta curry is a delicious dish of succulent grilled or broiled beef meatballs in a rich, creamy and spicy sauce. It is full of fragrant Indian spices and makes a great weeknight dinner. This low carb meatball curry is also freezer friendly. Great tips for lightening it up also included.

Celebrate your Indian experience with our popular Chicken Biryani and Chicken Korma.

Kofta curry served in a cast iron dish with some naan and lemon slices.

Grilled Meatball (Kofta Kebabs) Curry

Kofta kebabs are grilled meatballs that are popular in the Mediterranean, Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. They are made with ground meat, fragrant spices and herbs.

Here in this kofta curry recipe I have broiled them for ease of preparation. Also, the process of grilling or broiling imparts a nice flavor. Some fat is also released out of the meatballs. And the rapid cooking process makes the meatballs juicy.

Many traditional recipes use cream to add richness to this gravy. But I use yogurt instead of cream to achieve a rich consistency for this meatball curry.

Kofta Masala is a delicious Indian dish of succulent grilled or broiled meatballs served here on a white plate.

How To Make Kofta Curry (Overview)

**Full recipe at end of post.

  1. Combine all the kofta (meatballs) ingredients, knead well into a smooth mixture and set it aside. 
  2. Shape smooth and cylindrical (or round) koftas and broil on high on both sides. Alternatively the meatballs may be grilled or barbecued.Ground meat with grated onions, egg, bread crumbs, herbs and spices in a mixing bowl for making meatballs.
  3. Sauté chopped onions over medium heat until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic paste and stir. Then add the spices (garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder), salt and stir well. Onions sauteed in oil and spices added for making the curry.
  4. Next, add chili peppers, tomato paste and stir 2 minutes. Then add crushed tomatoes. Stir in whipped yogurt and fenugreek leaves. Add water and let it simmer until some oil surfaces on the top. Yogurt and fenugreek leaves added to crushed tomatoes and spices to make the sauce.
  5. Add koftas and adjust seasoning and consistency as needed. Raise the heat until it starts bubbling and then simmer. Garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of cream. Broiled koftas added to seasoned tomato based gravy.

Pro Tips

  • Juicy & Flavorful: One key step I often use while making meatballs is to add grated onion. This imparts a nice onion flavor and also makes them soft and moist. Some recipes also use grated zucchini to keep meatballs juicy.
  • Right Temperature & Time: The beef meatballs should be broiled or grilled quickly at high temperature to brown the meat well on the exterior. If it is not done at the right temperature and it takes too long, then the meatballs can become dry.
  • Don't Overcook: Just broil the koftas until they are brown on the surface. They don't have to cook fully inside while broiling. Then simmer meatballs in sauce.
  • Cook Tomatoes Well: Make sure that the tomatoes are well cooked before adding the yogurt. Otherwise the yogurt will curdle and the gravy will not be smooth and will look messy.
  • Grass Fed Dairy: I like to use creamy whole milk yogurt. Be sure to use grass fed dairy products whenever you can, that way you get more of the CLA that I talk about in this post below.
  • Rich & Creamy: The gravy in this beef meatball curry recipe is pretty rich and creamy with the addition of yogurt. But if you want to add a richer flavor for special occasions, then you could drizzle some ghee or cream on the top, just at the end of the cooking process.
  • Gluten Free: Replace the breadcrumbs with chickpea flour to make gluten free kofta curry.
  • Stove Top: If you wanted to make these koftas on stove top, then try using a cast iron skillet and drain the fat.
Meatball curry served with flatbread, onion, lemon and green chili.

Common Questions

What Type of Meat to Use for Making Koftas?

Koftas are basically meatballs made with ground meat, such as from beef, lamb, chicken or turkey. The meat is combined with grated onions, spices and herbs.

Ground lamb koftas are popular. But using a combination of ground lamb and ground beef  is also common, which combines the robust flavor of beef with the tenderness of lamb. 

What to Serve with Kofta Curry?

It is traditionally served with steamed rice or naan, salads and yogurt. But you can serve them with brown rice, couscous, quinoa and other grains. Koftas can be used to make wraps, sandwiches and filled pitas with salad vegetables and other dips.

How to Make Ahead, Meal Prep and Reheat

The kofta mixture can be made ahead during the day and refrigerated, so you can just grab it to cook at dinner time. The meatballs (koftas) can be made ahead, refrigerated or frozen.

Thaw the koftas and follow with rest of the recipe. Add water to adjust the consistency when reheating, as the sauce thickens during cooking and storage.

Close up view of kofta curry served in a cast iron dish.

Nutrition Facts and Benefits

Meatball curry has an extensive list of ingredients. But the two main ingredients I will elaborate about are beef and tomatoes.

I have used 90% lean beef and the broiling or grilling process will also help drain off some of the fat. Beef is a very good source of protein, some of the B vitamins (B12, Niacin, B6), zinc, selenium, phosphorus and a good source of iron.

I would suggest using grass fed beef for its relatively superior nutrition quality, as it is richer in CLA (conjugate linoleic acid) and omega-3 fats.

Research has shown that CLA is associated with several health benefits such as - prevention of cancer, reducing fat mass and increasing lean body mass, improved blood glucose tolerance, inflammatory system support and cardiovascular health. However, when it comes to red meat, moderation is recommended.

Tomatoes are a treasure house of antioxidants - a rich source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and several phytonutrients. And are well known for being an outstanding source of lycopene and its association with cancer prevention.

More Tomato Based Stews

  • Khoresht Kadoo (Persian Zucchini Stew)
  • Spicy tomato curry with eggs
  • Spicy rosemary tomato chicken
  • Egg Curry (Restaurant Style)

More Ground Meat Recipes

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    Creamy Cauliflower Stuffed Meatballs
  • Kabab Tabei served on a white plate with rice and seared tomatoes and peppers.
    Kabab Tabei (Ground Beef Kabobs)
  • Meat patties arranged on a serving plate.
    Meat Patties with Potatoes (Cutlets)
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    Kotlet (Persian Meat Patties)

★ DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE COMMENT AND GIVE IT A STAR RATING BELOW!

Meatball curry (kofta curry) served in a cast iron dish.
5 from 14 votes

Kofta Curry (Meatball curry)

Kofta curry is a delicious dish of succulent grilled or broiled beef meatballs in a rich, creamy and spicy sauce. It is full of fragrant Indian spices and makes a great weeknight dinner. This low carb meatball curry is also freezer friendly. Great tips for lightening it up also included.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Print SaveSaved!
Course :Stews
Cuisine :Indian
Servings: 8
Calories: 222kcal
Author: Roxana Begum

Ingredients

Koftas (Meatballs)

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion medium, grated
  • 1 egg large
  • 4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs or 2 tablespoon chickpea flour
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint or 1 teaspoon dry mint
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala or tikka masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Curry

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil use a bit more if needed
  • 1 onion medium, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¾ teaspoon salt adjust per taste
  • 1 chili pepper chopped (jalapeno or cayenne or serrano)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1½ cups crushed tomatoes see note
  • 1 cup yogurt whole, whipped
  • 2 tablespoon fenugreek leaves fresh, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried leaves
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream optional
  • Cilantro chopped for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Equipment

  • Cooking Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Blender
  • Cast Iron Skillet
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Instructions

Beef Meatballs (Koftas)

  • Combine all the ingredients for koftas (meatballs) in a mixing bowl. Mix and knead it well for 3-4 minutes and let it rest.
  • Shape 16 smooth and cylindrical (or round) koftas and arrange on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil meatballs on high for about 3 to 5 minutes on both sides.
    Tip: You can do this while cooking the curry on the side.
  • The broiling time may differ with each oven, so make sure to check initial progress. Alternatively the koftas may also be grilled. The koftas do not have to be completely cooked in this process as they will cook further in the sauce.

Curry (Sauce)

  • Heat olive oil in a cooking pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  • Add ginger and garlic paste and stir for 2 minutes. Then add tikka masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt and mix well.
  • Next add chili peppers, tomato paste and stir 2 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook couple minutes.
  • Add whipped yogurt and stir very well. Stir in fenugreek leaves, which give a distinctive taste to this dish. 
  • Then add 1 cup of water and stir (adjust the water as needed). Let it simmer about 20 minutes, until some oil starts surfacing on the top.
    Tip: If necessary, you may use a blender and process the sauce.
  • Add koftas to the sauce. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed. 
  • Increase the heat to medium high and once the curry starts bubbling, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Scatter chopped cilantro leaves on the top. You may drizzle cream or whipped yogurt on top.
  • Serve this beef meatball curry with rice or flat bread. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. If you prefer to use fresh tomatoes for the gravy, chop and puree 1 pound of fresh tomatoes with the skin and seeds, along with 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
  2. If using fresh tomatoes, you may skip addition of water in the recipe, and add the yogurt only after the tomatoes are very well cooked. Otherwise the yogurt will curdle and the gravy will not be smooth. I prefer to use grass fed whole milk yogurt.
  3. You could also try using tomato paste (½ cup double concentrated good quality tomato paste + 2 cups water).
  4. Use grated onion or grated zucchini for soft, juicy and moist meatballs.
  5. Meatballs should be broiled or grilled quickly at high temperature to only brown the meat well on the exterior. If it takes too long, then the meatballs can become dry.
  6. For a richer flavor or special occasions, drizzle some ghee or cream on the top, at the end of the cooking process.
  7. Replace the breadcrumbs with chickpea flour to make gluten free kofta curry.
  8. If you wanted to make these koftas on stove top, then try using a cast iron skillet and drain the fat.

Nutrition

Serving: 2koftas with ½ cup curry | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 713mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 7.7mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Did you make this recipe?I would love to know about it. Tag me @thedeliciouscrescent.

This post was first published on January 25th 2016 and has been updated with improvements in recipe, formatting, tips, and additional enhancements.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beck

    March 10, 2022 at 8:23 am

    These are my new favorite meatballs. Easy to prepare and so good.

    Reply
  2. Insherah

    December 23, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    It was delicious! My whole family loved it. I only substitute half a cup yogurt with cream. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Meiling Akbarally

      April 23, 2021 at 2:14 am

      Hi, I am planning to try this today. Could you please let me know what bread or roti is shown in the picture along side the kebabs please? It does look yummy. And is this recipe also on your site :)
      Please also could you suggest any sides?

      Reply
      • Roxana Begum

        May 29, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        That is Naan (Indian flat bread). Can be eaten with rice, potatoes, quinoa etc.

        Reply
  3. M

    December 18, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    Can you sub ground fenugreek seeds for the leaves?

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      December 19, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      The flavor is not exactly the same. But if you do it, then use smaller amount of seeds only (1/4 teaspoon), which should be powdered. Too much will make the curry bitter.

      Reply
    • Annabel

      March 06, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      It was delicious !

      Reply
  4. Lawrence Moore

    July 27, 2020 at 8:07 am

    I made this exactly to your recipe, and the family loved it! I invited my mother over (a Kofta Curry Connoisseur!) and she was very impressed. It will become a regular addition to our dinner menu. Thank you Roxana

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      July 27, 2020 at 11:53 pm

      So happy you liked it :)

      Reply
  5. Anonymous

    April 13, 2020 at 10:50 am

    I am in the process of making this recipe. I have used perhaps dome different ingredients for the kofta itself as I was googling several recipes. I find your instructions are the best and I love the fact that you give options. I'd love a vegetarian version as well. Will let you know how I get on.

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      April 16, 2020 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks. Will try to post a vegetarian version.

      Reply
  6. Anonymous

    April 05, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    These turned out so nice. There was plenty of the curry to pour over white rice. I would back off on the chili powder and the addition of the chopped jalepeno if you do not like hot and spicy things, this was borderline too spicy for us. But I think this is genuine spice level for Indian ctyle dishes. Thanks for the clear instructions.

    Reply
  7. anne thomas

    December 14, 2019 at 5:42 am

    hi i made this dish today the flavour was great but the yoghurt separated -how do i avoid this i used tin tomatoes thanks anne

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      January 30, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      If you used canned tomatoes it should not have happened. Try using thick and creamy yogurt and if needed blend the gravy a little. Or try adding the whipped and smooth yogurt first to the sauteed onion-spice mixture, cook it over low heat and add the pureed tomatoes little by little.

      Reply
      • Renu

        March 17, 2021 at 2:27 am

        I tried this recipe yesterday. It turned out really great. Everyone liked it. Can we use chicken keema instead of beef in the same recipe or you have another recipe for chicken keema kofta curry as good as this one?

        Reply
        • Roxana Begum

          May 29, 2021 at 4:22 pm

          Sure, you can make with ground chicken.

          Reply
  8. Supriya

    August 06, 2019 at 12:22 am

    Delicious! The whole family loved it. Thank you for this recipe we’ll be making again soon.

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      August 06, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Thanks Supriya. Happy you like it :)

      Reply
  9. Lily

    December 29, 2018 at 3:15 am

    Hi ! Instead of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes can I use actually tomatoes? How many would you suggest?

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      December 29, 2018 at 8:45 am

      Hi Lily, yes you can use fresh tomatoes. I have the recommended amount and tips in the notes section of the recipe. Just make sure to cook tomatoes well before adding the yogurt.

      Reply
  10. Shabana

    October 18, 2018 at 8:30 am

    Just finished cooking this for dinner. It taste so yummy. Cant wait for response tonight. Was thrilled that i had all the ingredients on hand. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      October 18, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      Awesome Shabana! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this :)

      Reply
  11. Yolanda

    October 12, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Tried it today for lunch. Tasted so yum and my children loved it. Served it with spaghetti. Thanks Roxanne

    Reply
  12. Anna-Marie

    May 12, 2018 at 11:03 am

    I made this for dinner last night, and it got rave reviews from my husband and 18 year old twins. I served it with Home made naan and rice. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      May 18, 2018 at 2:20 am

      Thanks so much Anna. You made my day. I saw your comment the other day and appreciated your feedback so much. I was unable to respond due to some work on my site.

      Reply
  13. Sandi

    October 20, 2017 at 5:11 am

    I haven't tried this dish yet...it looks delicious.

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      October 20, 2017 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks.

      Reply
  14. Trang

    October 20, 2017 at 3:15 am

    This sounds delicious, I can't wait to try it for dinner one night!

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      October 20, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      So glad you like it Trang! Let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply
  15. Sandra

    October 20, 2017 at 2:52 am

    I don't think I've ever tried Kebab Kofta Masala, and I'm going to have to change that! The gravy looks so rich and delicious. My mouth is watering :)

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      October 20, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      Oh thank you Sandra :) Hope you enjoy it.

      Reply
  16. Ginny

    October 20, 2017 at 12:47 am

    This is a quality recipe created with so many wonderful spices and flavors. Very nice!

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      October 20, 2017 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you so much Ginny :)

      Reply
  17. Anjali

    October 19, 2017 at 11:09 pm

    love kofta recipes!

    Reply
    • Roxana Begum

      October 20, 2017 at 8:14 pm

      Thanks Anjali. Me too :)

      Reply
      • Andrea Foster

        June 26, 2020 at 4:00 pm

        Where can you get the whipped yoghurt from or is there an alternative

        Reply
        • Roxana Begum

          June 27, 2020 at 10:28 pm

          You can take thick yogurt and whip it up with a whisk.

          Reply
5 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Different views of Indian meatball curry (kofta curry) served in a red cast iron dish along with flat bread, onion and lemon slices.

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Hi, I'm Roxana, registered dietitian and recipe developer. Here I share wholesome & delicious recipes with room for cravings. Healthy makeovers. Step-by-step photos & videos.
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