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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Cost: $15
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and Cutting board
- Pastry scraper or spatula
- 9×12 casserole dish or rimmed sheet pan
- measuring spoons
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
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Kofta Mixture
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Bake in a 400°F oven for about 20–25 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.
Step 5 – Drain Fat and Broil
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcal