Juicy Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe: Sizzling Summer Delight

Succulent ground beef kebabs offer a delightful twist on traditional grilling favorites.

Meat lovers crave these juicy skewers packed with robust flavors.

Mediterranean cuisine inspires this mouthwatering dish that brings sizzling aromas to your backyard.

Each tender bite promises a perfect blend of spices and perfectly charred edges.

Marinating the meat unlocks incredible depth and richness you’ll absolutely adore.

Friends and family will gather around, eager to savor these irresistible kebabs.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Practical Tips for Ground Beef Kebabs

• Gentle Mixing Magic: Handle ground beef delicately when combining ingredients to keep kebabs tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Skewer Shaping Success: Compact meat firmly around skewers with consistent pressure to ensure kebabs hold together during grilling and prevent falling apart.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked beef without overcooking.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Let kebabs rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices, enhancing overall moisture and taste.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter or vegetarian versions while maintaining similar spice profile.

Ground Beef Kebabs: How to Store & Reheat

• Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cover kebabs with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Warm kebabs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave to prevent drying out the meat.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water or olive oil before reheating to help retain tenderness and prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Complementing Ground Beef Kebabs with Sides

• Select a light, refreshing Assyrtiko from Greece or Vermentino from Italy to complement the kebabs' bold spices and cut through the meat's richness.
• Whip up a quick tzatziki with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice to balance the kebabs' warmth and provide a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Prepare a lemony quinoa or couscous salad with fresh herbs like mint and parsley to echo the kebab's aromatic spices and add a nutritious, textural element.
• Pour a traditional anise-flavored spirit that cleanses the palate and enhances the Mediterranean flavors, offering a refreshing alcoholic accompaniment to the grilled meat.

Unique Spins on Ground Beef Kebabs

• Lamb Lovers Edition: Replace ground beef with ground lamb for a rich, traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to the kebabs.
• Vegetarian Delight
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and wrap kebabs in lettuce leaves instead of flatbread to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining full flavor.
• Spice Sensitivity Version: Reduce or eliminate cayenne pepper and replace with mild smoked paprika for those who prefer less heat, keeping the kebabs flavorful but not spicy.

Ground Beef Kebabs: Answered Questions

• What type of ground beef works best for kebabs?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content is ideal. This ratio ensures juicy, flavorful kebabs without excessive grease.

• Can I make these kebabs without a grill?

Yes, you can cook them in a skillet or use an oven broiler. In a skillet, cook over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. In the broiler, place 4-5 inches from heat source and cook for 10-12 minutes.

• Do I need special skewers for this recipe?

Metal or soaked wooden skewers work well. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

• How do I prevent kebabs from falling apart on the grill?

Mix meat gently, don’t overwork it. Press meat firmly around skewers and ensure even distribution of ingredients. Chilling the formed kebabs for 30 minutes before grilling can also help them hold together better.

Ground Beef Kebabs for Satisfying Bites

• Packed with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne, these kebabs deliver bold Mediterranean taste in just minutes, making weeknight dinners exciting and delicious.
• Simple hand-mixing technique requires no complex chopping or specialized equipment, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality kebabs with minimal kitchen skills.
• Perfectly adaptable for multiple serving styles – enjoy over salads, with flatbread, or alongside tzatziki, making these kebabs an ideal option for casual family dinners or entertaining guests.
• Lean ground beef combined with fresh herbs provides a nutritious protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger while offering balanced, wholesome ingredients in every bite.

What You’ll Need for Ground Beef Kebabs

• Ground Beef: Rich and flavorful meat that forms the core of the kebabs, best when lean with some fat for juiciness.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and sharp flavor to the meat mixture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean taste and green color.
• Cumin, Paprika, Coriander: Warm spices that create a complex, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
• Cayenne: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the kebabs.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meat.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the kebabs moist during grilling.

• Tzatziki: Cooling yogurt sauce that complements the spiced meat.
• Hummus: Creamy dip that adds richness to the dish.
• Flatbread: Soft bread for wrapping or serving alongside the kebabs.
• Salad: Fresh side option for a lighter meal presentation.

Ground Beef Kebabs Prep Guide

Step 1: Prepare Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Ground cumin
• Sweet paprika
• Ground coriander
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Gently blend ingredients using hands, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.

Break and fold mixture softly to maintain tenderness.

Step 2: Form Kebab Shapes

Divide meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions.

Mold each portion into elongated oval shapes around metal or wooden skewers.

Press meat firmly along skewers to ensure secure attachment.

Smooth surfaces for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Grilling Surface

Heat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high temperature.

Lightly brush grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook Kebabs

Place prepared skewers onto heated grill surface.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes.

Ensure even browning on all sides.

Check internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove kebabs from grill.

Allow meat to rest for 2-3 minutes.

• Tzatziki sauce
• Hummus
• Warm flatbread
• Fresh garden salad

Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent ground beef kebabs emerge as a Middle Eastern culinary treasure, blending aromatic spices with juicy meat. Grilled to perfection and served alongside warm flatbread, these kebabs promise a delightful journey through authentic flavors you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 recommended)

Herbs and Spices:

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Tools:

• Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and a hint of cayenne. Incorporate olive oil and seasonings, using gentle hand movements to ensure even distribution without compressing the meat excessively.
2. Carefully partition the seasoned meat mixture into 4-6 uniform portions, meticulously molding each segment around metal skewers. Apply consistent pressure to guarantee the meat adheres securely, creating elongated, torpedo-shaped kebabs with smooth surfaces.
3. Prepare outdoor or indoor grill to medium-high temperature, lightly coating cooking grates with oil to prevent adherence and promote elegant sear marks.
4. Position kebabs on heated grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization. Monitor cooking progression, ensuring each side develops a rich, golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal moisture.
5. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F, indicating safe consumption. Allow kebabs to rest momentarily after removing from heat, allowing juices to redistribute.
6. Present these aromatic Mediterranean-inspired delicacies alongside complementary accompaniments like creamy tzatziki, velvety hummus, warm flatbread, or atop a crisp, refreshing salad.

Notes

• Handle meat gently to prevent tough, dense kebabs by mixing ingredients just until combined without overworking the ground beef.
• Create consistent kebab sizes by using a kitchen scale or dividing mixture evenly to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
• Prevent sticking and enhance flavor by brushing skewers with oil and preheating grill grates before cooking kebabs.
• Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat for different protein preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg