🇹🇷 Turkey · Food
İzmir Köfte (Meatballs with Potatoes and Tomato Sauce)
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
Savor the comforting flavors of İzmir Köfte, a beloved Turkish dish featuring savory meatballs baked alongside tender potatoes and vibrant peppers, all bathed in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This hearty and flavorful meal is a staple in Turkish home cooking, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
In a large bowl, combine 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb with 1 grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix, which can make the köfte tough.
- 2
Shape the mixture into oval-shaped meatballs, approximately 5-6 cm (2-2.5 inches) long and 2-3 cm (1 inch) wide. You should get about 12-15 köfte. In a large non-stick pan, lightly brown the köfte in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side to seal in the juices.
- 3
Peel and cut 3 medium potatoes into wedges or thick slices. Core and slice 2 green bell peppers and 1 red bell pepper into wide strips. Arrange the browned köfte, potato wedges, and pepper strips alternately in a large ovenproof dish or baking tray, making sure they are distributed evenly.
- 4
For the sauce, whisk together 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 1 cup (250 ml) hot water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional, but adds a nice flavor). Ensure the tomato paste is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, rich liquid.
- 5
Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the köfte, potatoes, and peppers in the baking dish. Make sure all ingredients are coated and partially submerged in the sauce. This helps keep everything moist and flavorful during baking.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the İzmir Köfte for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. The vegetables should be nicely cooked and the köfte thoroughly heated through. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of plain rice or fresh bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ground meat is best for İzmir Köfte to ensure the meatballs are flavorful and moist?+
For authentic İzmir Köfte, a ground beef with about 20% fat is ideal, or a blend of lean and medium ground beef, to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful as they bake.
What type of potatoes should I use and how should they be cut for İzmir Köfte?+
Use starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, cut into thick wedges or large chunks (about 1.5-2 inches). This ensures they cook thoroughly without becoming mushy and beautifully absorb the rich tomato sauce.
What is the recommended baking temperature and time for İzmir Köfte?+
Bake İzmir Köfte in a preheated oven at 180-200°C (350-400°F) for approximately 35-45 minutes. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
How can I prevent the meatballs in İzmir Köfte from falling apart during cooking?+
To ensure your meatballs hold their shape, knead the mixture thoroughly to activate the proteins, and then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before arranging them with the vegetables and baking.
Mundo Match
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