Name: Tray Bake Lamb Kofta Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables & Tahini Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1/2 onion, grated using a box grater; 500 g / 1 lb lamb mince (ground lamb, or beef); 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs); 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, finely chopped; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp coriander; 2 tsp paprika (plain, substitute smoked if preferred); 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste or omit for less spice); 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 large red capsicum, deseeded, sliced into 1 cm thick slices; 1 large yellow capsicum, deseeded, sliced into 1 cm thick slices; 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray (for the meatballs); 4 flatbreads (or rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice); 1 quantity Tahini sauce (store-bought or homemade); 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce (or other leafy greens); 2 tomatoes, halved and cut into thin slices; 1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped (optional, for sprinkling)

Introduction

This tray bake lamb kofta meatballs dinner is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fragrant spices and tender lamb, it pairs wonderfully with roasted peppers, onions, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. Whether served in wraps or over a grain bowl, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together on one baking tray.

The image shows a metal baking tray filled with several dark brown meatballs, each topped with a creamy white sauce and sprinkled with green herbs. Beneath and around the meatballs are colorful strips of cooked vegetables, including red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, and slices of purple onion, all soft and slightly glossy. In the bottom left corner, there are two folded pieces of light golden-brown flatbread with darker grilled spots and a light sprinkle of green herbs. The whole tray sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 onion, grated

500 g / 1 lb lamb mince (ground lamb, or beef)

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, finely chopped

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp coriander

2 tsp paprika (plain or smoked)

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste or omit)

3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 large red capsicum, deseeded and sliced into 1 cm thick slices

1 large yellow capsicum, deseeded and sliced into 1 cm thick slices

1 red onion, cut into thin wedges

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt and pepper

Olive oil spray (for the meatballs)

4 flatbreads (or rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice)

1 quantity tahini sauce

3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce (or other leafy greens)

2 tomatoes, halved and sliced thinly

1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced).

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the grated onion, lamb mince, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, chopped coriander, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Shape the mixture into 16 large meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a large baking tray.

Step 3: Toss the sliced capsicums and red onion wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Scatter the vegetables evenly around the meatballs on the tray.

Step 4: Lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then switch the oven to grill/broil on high and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops.

Step 5: Remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves over the meatballs and vegetables. Serve immediately with flatbreads, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and tahini sauce. Stuff the wraps and enjoy! Alternatively, serve over rice, couscous, or a leafy salad.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Use beef mince instead of lamb for a different taste.

Try smoked paprika instead of plain paprika for a smokier depth.

Serve with your favorite grain or salad for a low-carb option.

To save time, prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze uncooked.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of lamb for the kofta?

Yes, beef is a perfect substitute and will still deliver great flavor and texture in the meatballs.

What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute to help bind the meatballs.

Dinner

Tray Bake Lamb Kofta Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables & Tahini Sauce Recipe