Izmir Kofte (Turkish Meatballs with Potatoes and Peppers in Tomato)
Cumin scented beef meatballs baked with potatoes and green peppers in a rich tomato sauce.
Made with Basic tomato sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr 10
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.60 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Mix the mince, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, cumin, oregano, parsley and half the salt with your hands until just combined.
- 2
Shape into 16 flat, oval patties about 6 cm long and set aside.
- 3
Toss the potato slices and peppers with the oil and remaining salt in a large baking dish. Roast for 15 minutes.
15 min - 4
Mix your ready made basic tomato sauce (see the base recipe) with the water and pour it over the vegetables. Nestle the meatballs on top.
- 5
Bake for 35 minutes, turning the meatballs once, until they are cooked through and the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
35 min - 6
Scatter with a little extra parsley and serve with a simple salad and yoghurt.
Tips
- Grate the onion and squeeze out the juice before mixing, or the meatballs become loose.
- Use long green peppers if you can find them. Bell peppers work but add more sweetness.
- Chill the shaped meatballs for 15 minutes first, so they hold their shape.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 90 minutes. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months.
Questions
Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes. A mix of half lamb and half beef is common in Turkey and gives a richer flavour.
Does it need eggs?
No. The breadcrumbs and grated onion bind the meatballs, so there is no egg and the dish is egg free.
Why shape the meatballs flat?
Flatter, oval meatballs cook evenly at the same pace as the potato slices beneath them.
More made with basic tomato sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.