Easy Meatballs Recipe – Healthy Afghan Kofta Baked for Quick Meals

Looking for a meatballs recipe easy enough for busy weeknights?
This Afghan-style kofta is baked in the oven, packed with flavor, and way simpler than frying. It’s the perfect meatballs recipe to keep dinner quick and delicious.
Why this recipe works
Oven method ensures juicy, lean meatballs without excess oil—our clean meatballs recipe oven technique.
Bold spices like cumin, coriander and paprika deliver flavor without heaviness.
You'll find this to be one of the best recipe for meatballs when choosing simplicity and taste.
✅ Quick Highlights to Keep You Going
Uses lean ground beef (or turkey) + fresh herbs for a nutritious twist.
Skip frying—just meatball recipe baked to perfection.
Ideal easy recipes with meatballs for meal prep or families.
Works great with yogurt sauce, rice or naan—an Afghan touch to everyday cooking.
Ready to dive deeper? Here’s what’s next: the full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and smart nutrition tips that make this recipe stand out.
Want meal prep ideas, freezer instructions, or gluten‑free swaps? Just keep scrolling to the FAQ and variations—this is one recipe with meatballs you’ll come back to again and again.
See more ahead:
You’ll soon find detailed spice blends, bake times, serving ideas, and reasons why this is a standout meatball dish recipes choice. Stay with us—next up is the ingredient breakdown and smart substitutions that deliver a healthy kofta dish you'll love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb,
• 1 small onion, finely grated,
• 2 cloves garlic, minced,
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped,
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped,
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin,
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander,
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika,
• Salt and black pepper, to taste"
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce),
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (for sauce),
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce),
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes,
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric,
• 1 cup water (for sauce),
• Fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped (for garnish),
• Lemon wedges, optional (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This meatballs recipe easy method skips frying and uses baking for a healthier finish.
2. In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro and parsley, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, salt and pepper to taste for the kofta mixture.
3. Shape the mixture into golf‑ball sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Using a meatball scoop helps ensure uniform size.
4. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart to allow even cooking—this meatballs recipe oven technique locks in juices.
5. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. This baked method is a smart alternative to traditional frying.
6. While the kofta cooks, prepare the tomato sauce: heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
7. Stir in diced tomatoes, ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, and add water. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes until flavors meld.
8. Gently transfer the baked kofta into the simmering tomato sauce, submerge them, cover, and cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes so the meatballs absorb Serve the Easy Meatballs Recipe Afghan-style kofta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and parsley, with lemon wedges on the side.
9. Enjoy this recipe with meatballs baked to perfection. Pair with basmati rice, naan or yogurt sauce for a full Afghan-inspired meal."