From Serpil's Kitchen · Main
A simple, classic Turkish köfte recipe — the way it's made in a real home kitchen. Crispy outside, tender inside, full of love.
In a large deep bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix everything together with your hands.
Knead the mixture firmly for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and well combined. This is the most important step — don't rush it.
⏱ 5 minutesTake small pieces of the mixture, roughly the size of a walnut, and shape them into oval köfte patties. Press gently so they hold together.
If you have time, place the shaped köfte on a tray and rest them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape and deepens the flavor.
⏱ 1 hourPan: Cook in a lightly oiled pan over medium-high heat, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
Oven: Arrange on a baking tray and bake at 350°F. At the 20-minute mark, flip each köfte over.
Serve warm with rice, flatbread, or a simple shepherd's salad (çoban salatası).
Grating the onion instead of chopping it keeps the köfte tender and moist — don't skip this! Köfte also freezes beautifully. Shape them, freeze on a tray, then bag for an easy weeknight dinner.