Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry): 8 Irresistible Comforts

Name: Kofta Curry (Meatball curry)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, grated; 1 large egg; 4 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs or 2 tablespoons chickpea flour; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1 tablespoon chopped mint or 1 teaspoon dried mint; 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste; 2 teaspoons garam masala or tikka masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 chili pepper, chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1½ cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cup whole milk yogurt, whipped; 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves, fresh or dried; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dinner that feels like a warm hug and makes your kitchen smell incredible, Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) is about to become your new favorite. This dish is rich, cozy, gently spiced, and surprisingly doable—even on a busy weeknight when life feels like one long to-do list.

I love this recipe because it delivers big, bold Indian flavors without requiring fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s comforting, freezer-friendly, and flexible enough to fit real life (you know, the kind where someone asks “what’s for dinner?” at 5:17 p.m.).

Whether you serve it with fluffy rice, warm flatbread, or sneak a spoon straight from the pot (no judgment here), this Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry)

Weeknight-friendly comfort food that feels special
Low-carb adaptable and easy to lighten up
Freezer friendly, so future-you wins
Packed with fragrant spices but not overwhelming
Family-approved—even for picky eaters who “don’t like curry”

This is one of those recipes that tastes like it took all day… even though it didn’t.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Koftas (Meatballs)

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, grated
1 large egg
4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (or 2 tbsp chickpea flour for gluten-free)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tbsp chopped mint (or 1 tsp dried mint)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tsp garam masala (or tikka masala)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp red pepper flakes or chili powder
1 tsp salt

For the Curry Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder or paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 chopped chili pepper (jalapeño, serrano, or cayenne)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1½ cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup whole milk yogurt, whipped
2 tbsp fresh fenugreek leaves (or 1 tbsp dried)
1 cup water (adjust as needed)
2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, but lovely)
Chopped cilantro for garnish

How to Make Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry)

Step 1: Prepare the Koftas

In a mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix and knead for about 3–4 minutes until well blended. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes—this helps keep the koftas tender.

Shape into 16 smooth meatballs (round or slightly cylindrical) and arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Broil on high for 3–5 minutes per side, just until browned. They don’t need to cook through yet—they’ll finish in the sauce.

Tip: You can grill them instead, or pan-sear in a cast iron skillet if that’s easier.

Step 2: Build the Curry Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden and fragrant.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add all the spices—garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Stir until the spices bloom and smell amazing.

Add chili pepper and tomato paste. Cook another 2 minutes, then stir in crushed tomatoes and let them simmer briefly.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat slightly and slowly stir in the whipped yogurt, mixing well to keep the sauce smooth. Add fenugreek leaves (don’t skip these—they add that restaurant-style flavor).

Pour in water and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and a little oil rises to the top.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it carefully before adding the koftas.

Step 4: Add the Koftas

Gently place the meatballs into the curry. Increase heat slightly until bubbling, then reduce and simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors come together.

Finish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of cream or yogurt if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve warm and enjoy every bite.

Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) served in a red pan with creamy spiced sauce and naan bread — Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and served with warm naan

My Favorite Tips for Success

Dry meatballs = sad meatballs. Broil quickly at high heat—don’t overcook.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. Extra comfort never hurt anyone.
Want it lighter? Skip the cream and use full-fat yogurt only.
Gluten-free option: Chickpea flour works beautifully in the koftas.
Meal prep win: This curry freezes like a dream.

A Little Kitchen Story

This Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt nonstop. I made a big pot on Sunday, froze half, and future dinners basically cooked themselves. Every time I reheated it, the house smelled like a cozy Indian kitchen—and honestly, that alone improved my mood.

That’s the magic I love about comfort food. It feeds more than just your stomach.

FAQs About Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Can I use chicken or lamb instead of beef?

Yes! Ground chicken or lamb works great—just adjust seasoning slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Is this spicy?

It’s gently spicy, but you can easily adjust the chili to your taste.

Bring Cozy Comfort to Your Table

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) simmering away on the stove. It’s rich, satisfying, and proof that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you’re craving a dinner that feels special without stressing you out, this recipe is calling your name. Pour yourself something cozy, grab some warm bread or rice, and enjoy every flavorful bite.

Keep the Cozy Flavors Going

If Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) made its way into your regular dinner rotation, there’s a good chance you enjoy bold spices, comforting sauces, and meals that feel special without extra effort. Here are a few delicious ideas that pair beautifully with the same cozy, flavor-forward vibe—perfect for when you’re planning the next few dinners and want to keep that comforting momentum going:

If you’re craving another rich, spiced beef dinner with serious comfort appeal, Indian Butter Pot Roast with Rich Spiced Gravy brings slow-cooked tenderness and warm flavors to the table with minimal hands-on time.
For a change of pace that still loves bold seasoning and creamy sauces, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a wonderful option that works just as well for weeknights as it does for casual entertaining.
If it’s the curry flavors that really won you over, Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings is pure comfort in a bowl—creamy, warming, and perfect for soup nights.
And if you’re curious to explore a more traditional take on this dish, authentic Indian kofta curry preparation is a lovely resource that dives deeper into classic methods and flavors.

Each of these fits right into that same comforting, spice-loving groove—so dinner planning stays easy, satisfying, and anything but boring.