Sizzling Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe: Juicy Flavor on a Stick!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that ground beef kebabs effortlessly deliver.

These tender, juicy skewers pack a punch of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors.

Marinated with aromatic spices, the meat becomes incredibly succulent and delightful.

Each bite promises a burst of savory goodness that connects you to traditional culinary techniques.

The kebabs cook rapidly, making them perfect for busy evenings when time is short.

Perfectly charred edges and a hint of smokiness elevate these kebabs from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to impress your dining companions with this simple yet spectacular meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Serve Ground Beef Kebabs with Sauces or Sides

  • Dip and Drizzle Delight: Serve kebabs with a generous side of cool tzatziki sauce or creamy hummus for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor that complements the spicy meat perfectly.
  • Salad Bed Sensation: Place grilled kebabs over a fresh Greek salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese to create a light and refreshing meal option.
  • Flatbread Wrap Wonder: Slide the kebab meat off the skewer and wrap it inside warm, soft flatbread with a dollop of yogurt sauce and fresh chopped herbs for a handheld street food-style experience.
  • Family-Style Feast: Arrange kebabs on a large platter with various dipping sauces, grilled vegetables, and rice pilaf to encourage sharing and create a communal dining atmosphere that brings everyone together.

Best Storage Tips for Leftover Beef Kebabs

  • Keep kebabs fresh in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Wrap individual uncooked kebabs in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for convenient meal prep. Frozen kebabs stay delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Warm leftover kebabs in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F for gentle reheating.
  • Prepare kebab mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating more intense and delicious results.

Ground Beef Kebabs Ingredient Guide

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, tender protein that forms the hearty core of kebabs, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciest results.
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients, select extra virgin for best flavor and smoothness.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create depth and complexity, use fresh for most vibrant taste.
  • Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and subtle grassiness, select crisp green leaves without wilting.
For Spice Blend:
  • Cumin, Paprika, Coriander, Cayenne: Warm, earthy spice combination delivering authentic Mediterranean profile, buy whole spices and grind for maximum potency.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that elevate and balance overall flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper for robust taste.

Skewers and Tools That Get Ground Beef Kebabs Just Right

  • Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy container for combining ground beef and spices.
  • Skewers: Metal or wooden sticks for shaping and grilling kebabs.
  • Grill: Gas or charcoal grill for cooking kebabs with nice char marks.
  • Tongs: Essential for safely turning and moving kebabs on the grill.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures kebabs reach safe internal temperature of 160F.
  • Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients and shaping kebabs.
  • Knife: Sharp tool for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.

Grilling Ground Beef Kebabs Made Simple

  • Blend Flavor Powerhouse

Grab ground beef and awaken its potential by mixing with aromatic herbs and spices. Toss in finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, fresh parsley, and a splash of bold spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Drizzle olive oil for moisture and use your hands to gently marry all ingredients without overworking the meat.

  • Craft Skewer Magic

Transform your seasoned meat mixture into perfectly shaped kebabs. Divide the blend into uniform portions and softly mold each around skewers, creating elongated shapes that will cook evenly. Press gently to ensure the meat hugs the skewer securely.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your grill at medium-high heat and lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. This creates the perfect searing environment for your kebabs.

  • Grill to Perfection

Place kebabs on the hot grill, rotating occasionally to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160F, ensuring juicy and safe-to-eat meat. This typically takes 10-12 minutes.

  • Serve and Savor

Remove kebabs from the grill and let them rest briefly. Plate with vibrant accompaniments like creamy tzatziki, smooth hummus, warm flatbread, or atop a crisp salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Twist the Spices for New Ground Beef Kebabs Every Time

  • Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough kebabs; overmixing can make meat dense and chewy.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that still packs amazing flavor.
  • Serve kebabs over crisp lettuce or zucchini noodles instead of bread for a carb-conscious meal.
  • Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that maintains the classic Mediterranean spice profile.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sizzling Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Middle Eastern ground beef kebabs bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned meat skewers deliver rich spices and juicy textures that you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Mixture: Delicately combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even distribution without compressing the meat excessively.
  2. Form Skewers: Artfully mold the seasoned meat mixture into elongated, uniform shapes around skewers. Apply gentle pressure to secure the meat, creating smooth, compact kebabs that will maintain structural integrity during cooking.
  3. Grill Preparation: Ignite the grill to medium-high temperature and lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor development.
  4. Cooking Process: Position kebabs on the heated grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization. Cook for 10-12 minutes until exterior develops a rich, golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 160°F, indicating complete doneness.
  5. Serving: Remove kebabs from grill and allow a brief resting period. Present alongside complementary accompaniments such as creamy tzatziki, smooth hummus, warm flatbread, or atop a crisp, fresh salad.

Notes

  • Handle ground beef gently when mixing to avoid compacting, which makes kebabs dense and chewy. Mix ingredients just until combined.
  • Add a splash of yogurt or grated onion to keep kebabs juicy and prevent drying out during grilling.
  • Wet your hands with cold water before shaping meat around skewers to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform kebabs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure beef reaches 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking, which can make kebabs tough and dry.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star