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Ground beef kofta pita sandwich with tomato onion salad and hummus on a white plate with oven baked kofta in a casserole dish in the background
Lindsay Lehrer

Oven Baked Ground Beef Kofta Kebabs

Juicy oven baked ground beef kofta kebabs made with fresh parsley, garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon. This easy one-pan Mediterranean dinner is perfect for stuffing into warm pita with hummus and a fresh tomato onion salad.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Broil Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean, mediterranean-Inspired, Middle Eastern
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Kofta
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ⅓ red or orange bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 small bunch parsley finely chopped
  • 1 white onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Onion Salad
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
  • ½ bunch parsley finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon sumac
For Serving
  • Greek pita bread
  • hummus tzatziki, or garlic sauce

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife and Cutting board
  • Pastry scraper or spatula
  • 9×12 casserole dish or rimmed sheet pan
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Kofta Mixture
  1. 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.
Step 2 – Shape the Kofta
  1. 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.
Step 3 – Score the Kebabs
  1. 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.
Step 4 – Bake the Kofta
  1. Bake in a 400°F oven for about 20–25 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.
Step 5 – Drain Fat and Broil
  1. Carefully remove excess liquid fat from the pan. Broil for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the tops and create slightly crispy edges.
Step 6 – Prepare the Tomato Onion Salad
  1. While the kofta bakes, combine sliced red onion, quartered tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac in a bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 7 – Assemble the Pita Wraps
  1. 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.