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Lentil & Beef Kofta (High-Protein Sheet Pan Dinner)

This easy Lentil & Beef Kofta is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber — a family-friendly Mediterranean dinner that comes together on one sheet pan.
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Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the kofta:
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb, turkey, or plant-based substitute
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 small onion finely minced or grated (I chopped in a food processor)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 - 1 1/2 tsp salt I liked mine a bit saltier with 1 1/2 tsp
  • 1 can of lentils rinsed and drained (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 egg
For the Cucumber Tomato Salad:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 2 Tbsp red onion finely sliced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar lemon juice
  • Salt + pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh mint or parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine onion, garlic, ground beef, spices, and salt. Mix well until evenly combined. Fold in lentils and egg, stirring until the mixture is fully incorporated.
  3. Drizzle a sheet pan with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Spread the kofta mixture onto the pan in a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Use a knife to score into 1-inch strips (about 2.5 cm). Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil.
  4. Bake for 12–15 minutes at , then broil for 2–5 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Carefully remove from the oven and re-cut the strips if the egg has baked over the scores.
  5. While the kofta bakes, chop cucumbers and tomatoes. Toss with red wine vinegar, remaining olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble and serve: Layer the kofta strips, cucumber-tomato salad, and tzatziki inside naan or pita. Enjoy immediately! Store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for 4 days, or freeze kofta strips layered between sheets of parchment paper for up to 2 months.

Notes

Family-friendly meal tips:
  • Reserve some cucumbers & tomatoes during chopping for plainer veggies if your kids prefer.
  • Serve kofta, naan, and veggies separately with tzatziki for dipping for selective eaters to explore!
  • If your kids like meatballs, you can "rebrand" these as kofta meatballs to increase acceptance of a new food!