Savory Beef Kofta Patties with Garlic-Lemon Aioli and Roasted Veggies

If you’re looking to shake up your ground beef routine, these Mediterranean-inspired kofta patties are a must-try. Seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin and garlic, they’re pan-seared until golden and juicy. The real star is the bright, creamy garlic-lemon aioli that ties everything together.

Serve these patties alongside a vibrant roasted vegetable jumble featuring sweet potatoes, zucchini and bell peppers, all tossed with fresh cilantro. It’s a balanced, colorful meal that feels like a mini getaway-no passport needed!

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Ingredients

1 unit Sweet PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon CuminView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Smoked PaprikaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F with racks in the top and middle positions. Wash and dry all produce. Dice the sweet potato into ½-inch pieces. On a baking sheet, toss the sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper. Roast on the middle rack until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, trim and dice the zucchini into ½-inch pieces. Core, deseed and dice the bell pepper into ½-inch pieces. Trim and thinly slice the scallions, separating the white parts from the green tops. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves and stems. Mince or grate the garlic. Zest the lemon, then cut it into quarters.
3. On a second baking sheet, toss the zucchini, bell pepper and scallion whites with a drizzle of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack until tender, 15-18 minutes.
4. While the veggies roast, make the aioli: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice and minced garlic to taste. Season with a pinch of smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Set aside.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with the remaining paprika, cumin and garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into four small patties (about 3 inches wide each). Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned and cooked through, 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and toss with half of the chopped cilantro. Divide the vegetables, sweet potatoes and patties among plates. Drizzle the aioli over the patties, then garnish with the scallion greens and remaining cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly and the patties may be less juicy.

Can I make the aioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! The aioli can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a stir before serving.

What can I serve with these kofta patties besides roasted veggies?

These patties pair well with rice, pita bread or a simple green salad. The aioli also makes a great dip for fresh veggies.