Name: Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 15 wooden skewers (optional, pre-soaked for at least 30 minutes); 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1 egg; 1/4 cup dried parsley (or 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced); 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder (or a few cloves fresh garlic, minced); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you are craving a mouthwatering, juicy dinner that combines the perfect blend of spices and textures, you cannot miss out on this Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe. These kebabs are a foolproof crowd-pleaser, versatile enough to be made on a sunny grill or comfortably baked in your oven. Imagine tender, flavor-packed beef mingled with fragrant herbs and spices, all perfectly cooked to juicy perfection. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or whipping up a family meal, this recipe will swiftly become one of your favorites to prepare again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A shiny metal bowl holds several ingredients placed separately: a large block of ground red meat with a coarse texture on the right side, a bright yellow raw egg yolk near the bottom right, and six small piles of spices arranged in a semi-circle on the left side. The spice piles include white granules, dark green flakes, fine yellow powder, reddish powder, and two shades of brown powders. A woman's hand is reaching into the bowl from the left side, about to mix the ingredients. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays an essential role in delivering incredible flavor, texture, and color to your Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe. From the fresh herbs that brighten the taste to the spices that provide warmth and depth, every single one is a small star on your plate.

15 wooden skewers (optional): Pre-soak these to prevent burning and promote easy handling while grilling.
2 lbs ground beef* (or a mix of beef and pork): The base of the kebab, this delivers rich juiciness and texture.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep your kebabs perfectly formed while cooking.
¼ cup dried parsley (or ½ cup fresh parsley, minced): Adds fresh, herbaceous notes that lighten the meat.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Imparts deep, savory aroma without overpowering the mix.
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or a few cloves fresh garlic, minced): Gives a wonderful, rounded punch of garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful color.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps retain moisture.
½ teaspoon cumin: Adds subtle earthiness and warmth to the kebabs.
½ teaspoon pepper: Offers a mild kick, balancing the spice medal perfectly.

How to Make Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple step prevents the skewers from burning during cooking and makes turning the kebabs a breeze, so your grilling or baking goes smoothly without any worries of flare-ups.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill or Oven

Get your grill heated up to medium-high or set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper heat is key to cooking these Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe perfectly through the inside while developing a beautiful crust outside, locking all those flavorful juices in.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, parsley, onion and garlic powders, paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper. Use your clean hands to mix everything until just combined. Be gentle—overmixing can make the meat tough. This step is all about melding those amazing flavors together while maintaining tender meat texture.

Step 4: Shape the Kebabs

Take a handful of the meat mixture and form it into elongated patties, either threading them onto your pre-soaked skewers or shaping them by hand if you prefer a no-skewer option. These oblong shapes not only look fantastic—they also cook evenly and are perfect for flipping on the grill or oven rack.

Step 5: Cook the Kebabs

Grill the kebabs for about 20 minutes, turning carefully once halfway through so all sides get that beautiful char. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, guaranteeing they’re cooked safely but still juicy. Alternatively, bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes before finishing under the broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve that golden brown finish.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, let your Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe rest, tented lightly with foil if you like. This brief rest helps the juices redistribute, so each bite bursts with moist, flavorful beef instead of drying out straight away.

How to Serve Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe

The dish shows six grilled meat skewers with visible char marks and a textured, slightly rough surface, arranged diagonally in a black bowl on the right side. To the left of the skewers, there are several bright green cucumber slices, thick and smooth in texture. Below the cucumbers, thinly sliced rings of red onions form a loose flower shape, showing a mix of white and purple layers. At the bottom front of the bowl, small whole red cherry tomatoes appear shiny and smooth. Green leafy parsley fills the background space under and behind the skewers, adding a fresh, bright green contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you get to inject your personal style and elevate the dish even more. Fresh parsley or cilantro sprigs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of chopped red onions can add a fresh, vibrant kick that complements the savory kebabs beautifully.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like fluffy rice, creamy tzatziki, or a crisp garden salad perfectly balance the rich meat. You can also serve the kebabs with soft pita bread, grilled veggies, or a smoky BBQ sauce for a full Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired feast that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try laying your kebabs over a bed of couscous with roasted chickpeas, or slice them off the skewer and toss into pita pockets with crunchy pickles and sauce. Presentation can be simple or elaborate, but either way, these ground beef kebabs make for a stunning centerpiece that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have kebabs left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day meals or snacks with minimal effort.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen kebabs will last up to 3 months, perfect for prepping meals in advance or saving for a quick dinner down the road.

Reheating

Reheat your kebabs gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or warm in a microwave on medium power to keep them juicy without drying out. Avoid high heat reheating to retain every bit of that tender deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While beef provides great richness, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version. Just be mindful that poultry cooks faster and tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or a binder like egg to keep the texture juicy.

Do I have to use skewers?

Not at all — skewers are optional. Shaping the meat into oblong patties and cooking them directly on the grill or in the oven works just as well, especially if you’re short on time or wooden skewers!

How spicy is this Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe?

This recipe offers a mild to medium spice level thanks to paprika and cumin. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili flakes for an extra kick that suits your taste buds.

Can I make the kebab mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a few hours or even the night before, covered and refrigerated. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, sometimes making the kebabs taste even better!

What's the best way to check if kebabs are fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is your best friend here—check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety while preserving juicy tenderness inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly seasoned, juicy kebab, and this Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe delivers that experience effortlessly. Whether you stick to the grill or take the oven route, you’ll find this recipe is a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, turn up the heat, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the delicious magic of homemade kebabs!

Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need