If you love bold Mediterranean flavors but don’t want to fire up the grill, these oven baked ground beef kofta kebabs are an easy solution. Instead of shaping individual skewers, the seasoned beef mixture is pressed into a casserole dish or sheet pan, scored into long kebab shapes, and baked until juicy and tender.
This ground beef kofta recipe is packed with fresh parsley, garlic, onion, and warm spices like cumin and paprika. After baking, a quick broil caramelizes the top and gives the kebabs that classic roasted flavor.
Serve the kofta tucked into warm pita with hummus and a bright tomato onion salad for a Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and fresh.
What Is Kofta? (Mediterranean Ground Beef Recipe Explained)
Kofta is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made from seasoned ground meat mixed with herbs, garlic, onions, and spices. The meat is traditionally shaped onto skewers and grilled over open flame.
In this recipe, we’re making kofta in the oven, which creates the same juicy texture and rich flavor without needing a grill or skewers. The beef is shaped into long sections in a pan so it still resembles classic kebabs.
Mediterranean Kofta Flavors My Armenian Family Loves
While this isn’t specifically an Armenian recipe, the flavors feel incredibly familiar in our home. Growing up in an Armenian family, meals often included fresh parsley, garlic, onions, and warm spices like cumin and paprika.
Those same ingredients come together beautifully in these ground beef kofta kebabs, which is probably why this dish disappears so quickly at our dinner table. It’s one of those meals that feels traditional and comforting, even when it’s made in a modern, weeknight-friendly way.
You might also enjoy these recipes from Mom’s Dinner Bell:
- Greek Smashed Chicken Tacos - Incredibly simple with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
- Easy Gyro Meat Recipe Döner Kebab Style - Oven friendly cooking that is so simple to make.
- Loaf Pan Chicken Shawarma - Affordable, family friendly and great for busy nights.
Jump to:
- What Is Kofta? (Mediterranean Ground Beef Recipe Explained)
- Mediterranean Kofta Flavors My Armenian Family Loves
- Ingredients for Oven Baked Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs
- How to Cook Ground Beef Kofta in the Oven Without Skewers
- Use Lean Ground Beef for the Best Oven Baked Kofta
- Fresh Tomato Onion Salad for Kofta Pita Wraps
- How to Serve Ground Beef Kofta in Pita Wraps
- Substitutions for Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs
- Variations for This Baked Beef Kofta Recipe
- Equipment Needed
- Storage Instructions
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Kofta
- What to Serve With Kofta
- Mediterranean Inspired Recipes
- Side Dish Ideas
Ingredients for Oven Baked Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs
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For the kofta:
- Ground beef (lean works best)
- Red or orange bell pepper, finely diced
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- White onion, diced
- Minced garlic
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon
Serving:
- Greek pita bread
- Hummus, tzatziki, or garlic sauce
Tomato onion salad:
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Grape tomatoes, quartered
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Sumac
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Ground Beef Kofta in the Oven Without Skewers
One of the easiest ways to make kofta at home is by baking it instead of grilling.
To do this, press the seasoned beef mixture into a 9×12 casserole dish or rimmed sheet pan. Then use a pastry scraper or spatula to create long sections that resemble traditional kebab shapes.
This method allows the kofta to cook evenly while still creating those classic ridges and edges.
- Step 1: Mix the Kofta Meat Mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with diced bell pepper, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, and spices. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: Press and Shape the Kofta. Press the meat mixture into a casserole dish or sheet pan. Use a pastry scraper or spatula to create long kebab-shaped sections about 1–1½ inches wide.
- Step 3: Score the Kebabs. Lightly score the meat every half inch along each section. Do not cut all the way through. This helps the kofta cook evenly and gives it the traditional kebab look.
- Step 4: Bake and Broil. Bake until the beef is fully cooked. Carefully remove excess liquid fat from the pan, then broil for a few minutes to brown the tops and create slightly crispy edges.
Hint: Finely chop the vegetables and herbs before mixing them into the beef. Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the mixture and help the kofta hold together during cooking.
Use Lean Ground Beef for the Best Oven Baked Kofta
Because this recipe cooks in the oven rather than on a grill, using lean ground beef works best.
Higher-fat beef can release too much grease during cooking, which may cause the kofta to sit in excess liquid. Leaner beef keeps the texture juicy while helping the kebabs hold their shape.
Fresh Tomato Onion Salad for Kofta Pita Wraps
While the kofta bakes, prepare a quick Mediterranean-style topping.
Thinly slice red onion and combine it with quartered grape tomatoes and chopped parsley. Toss everything with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sumac.
This simple salad adds brightness and balances the rich flavors of the beef.
How to Serve Ground Beef Kofta in Pita Wraps
Warm your pita bread and spread a layer of hummus, tzatziki, or garlic sauce across the inside.
Break or slice the baked kofta into portions and place it inside the pita. Top with the tomato onion salad and fold the pita around the filling.
The result is a flavorful kofta pita wrap that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Substitutions for Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs
If you don’t have every ingredient on hand, this recipe is still flexible.
Bell peppers can be replaced with finely grated zucchini for moisture. Fresh cilantro can substitute for parsley if needed.
For serving, hummus can easily be swapped with tzatziki or garlic sauce. Even a simple yogurt sauce with lemon and garlic works beautifully with the spices in the beef.
Variations for This Baked Beef Kofta Recipe
Once you’ve made this recipe once, it’s easy to customize.
Ground lamb can be used instead of beef for a more traditional kofta flavor. Ground chicken or turkey also works well for a lighter option.
You can also add herbs like mint or cilantro for a slightly different Mediterranean flavor profile. link)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Pastry scraper or spatula
- 9×12 casserole dish or rimmed sheet pan
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions
Store leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven, air fryer, or skillet until warmed through.
The tomato onion salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 day.
Top Tip
Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Kofta
Yes. Baking kofta in a casserole dish or sheet pan is an easy alternative to grilling and still produces juicy and flavorful results.
Traditional kofta usually includes garlic, onion, parsley, cumin, paprika, and sometimes coriander or cinnamon.
Popular options include tzatziki, hummus, garlic sauce (toum), or yogurt-based sauces.
Greek pita bread or Middle Eastern flatbread works best for wrapping kofta.
Yes. This recipe shows how to make kofta in the oven without skewers by shaping the meat directly in the baking dish.
What to Serve With Kofta
These kofta kebabs pair well with a variety of sides.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing side dish recipe.
Try serving it with:
- Warm pita bread
- Hummus or tzatziki
- Mediterranean salads
- Roasted vegetables
Mediterranean Inspired Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Side Dish Ideas
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Oven Baked Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs:
Oven Baked Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl combine the ground beef, diced bell pepper, chopped parsley, diced onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Press the meat mixture into a 9×12 casserole dish or rimmed sheet pan. Using a pastry scraper or spatula, create long kebab-style sections about 1–1½ inches wide.
- Lightly score the meat every half inch along each section. Do not cut all the way through. This helps the kofta cook evenly and creates the classic kebab shape.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for about 20–25 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.
- Carefully remove excess liquid fat from the pan. Broil for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the tops and create slightly crispy edges.
- While the kofta bakes, combine sliced red onion, quartered tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac in a bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread hummus or tzatziki inside warm pita bread. Add pieces of kofta and top with the tomato onion salad. Fold and serve.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease during baking.
- Finely chop vegetables so the kofta mixture holds together well.
- Broiling at the end adds flavor and mimics the char from grilling.
- These kofta kebabs can be served in pita wraps, over rice, or with roasted vegetables.
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