Oven-Baked Beef Kebab Recipe with Classic Greek Toppings Recipe
Introduction
This flavorful beef kebab recipe brings the tastes of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Juicy, well-seasoned ground beef strips baked to perfection and served with classic toppings make a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
- To Serve:
- Store-bought tzatziki
- Chopped cucumber
- Red onions (soaked in lemon juice)
- Feta
- Chopped fresh mint
- Greek style pita bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together all of the beef kebab ingredients until fully combined. Use your hands to really work the mixture so it’s uniform and well-seasoned.
- Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture onto the lined sheet pan and press it into an even rectangle about 3/4 inch thick. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too thick to cook through evenly.
- Step 4: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice the beef mixture into long kebab-style strips, about 1 to 1½ inches wide. There is no need to separate them as they will bake and pull apart easily after cooking.
- Step 5: Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until the kebabs are fully cooked through.
- Step 6: For a crispier finish, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Serve hot with pita, tzatziki, and your favorite fresh toppings such as cucumber, feta, fresh mint, and pickled red onion.
Tips & Variations
- Soaking the red onions in lemon juice mellows their sharpness and adds a pleasant tang.
- For extra moisture and flavor, you can add a splash of olive oil or grated onion to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute ground lamb or a beef-lamb blend for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat in your kebabs.
- Serve with warm pita brushed lightly with olive oil for an authentic finish.
Storage
Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep them juicy. You can also freeze cooked kebabs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook these kebabs on the grill instead of the oven?
Yes, you can shape the mixture around skewers and grill over medium heat until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can lightly grease the baking sheet with oil or use a silicone baking mat as an alternative to parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Print
Oven-Baked Beef Kebab Recipe with Classic Greek Toppings Recipe
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This beef kebab recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic grilled-style kebab made easy in the oven. Lean ground beef is seasoned with a robust blend of spices including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, then baked to juicy perfection. Served with classic Greek accompaniments like tzatziki, pita bread, fresh cucumber, feta, mint, and tangy pickled red onions, these kebabs make a delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Beef Kebabs
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
To Serve
- Store-bought tzatziki
- Chopped cucumber
- Red onions (soaked in lemon juice)
- Feta cheese
- Chopped fresh mint
- Greek style pita bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking the kebabs.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, minced garlic, diced red onion, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and work the mixture to ensure even seasoning throughout.
- Shape the kebabs: Transfer the beef mixture onto the parchment-lined sheet pan and press it down into an even rectangle that is about 3/4 inch thick. This thickness helps the kebabs hold their shape while cooking evenly.
- Slice into strips: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the rectangle into long kebab-style strips approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide. There’s no need to separate the strips as they will bake and pull apart easily.
- Bake the kebabs: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes, or until the kebabs are fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Broil for crispiness (optional): For a crispier finish, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent burning and achieve a nice caramelized crust.
- Serve: Serve the hot beef kebabs with warm Greek-style pita bread, tzatziki sauce, chopped cucumber, pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh chopped mint for a tasty and authentic Mediterranean-style meal.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can shape the kebabs onto skewers before baking for a more traditional presentation.
- Make sure to soak the red onions in lemon juice ahead of time to mellow out the sharpness and add a zesty flavor.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of olive oil into the meat mixture before shaping the kebabs.
- These kebabs can also be cooked on a grill or stovetop grill pan if you prefer a smoky outdoor flavor.
- Leftover kebabs can be refrigerated and reheated; they also work great chopped into wraps or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Keywords: Beef kebabs, Greek kebabs, oven baked kebabs, easy kebab recipe, Mediterranean beef recipe, ground beef kebabs
