Baked Beef Kebab with Herbs and Spices Recipe
Introduction
These flavorful beef kebabs are a delicious and easy way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. Packed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, they bake quickly in the oven and pair perfectly with classic toppings like tzatziki and pita.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
- To Serve:
- Store-bought tzatziki
- Chopped cucumber
- Red onions (soaked in lemon juice)
- Feta cheese
- Chopped fresh mint
- Greek style pita bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all the beef kebab ingredients and mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture is uniform and well-seasoned.
- Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to the lined sheet pan and press it into an even rectangle about 3/4 inch thick. This thickness helps the kebabs hold their shape while cooking evenly.
- Step 4: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice the beef into long strips about 1 to 1½ inches wide. Leave them together on the pan; they will bake and pull apart easily once cooked.
- Step 5: Bake for 15 to 16 minutes until the kebabs are fully cooked through.
- Step 6: For a crispier finish, switch your oven to broil high during the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Step 7: Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki, and your favorite fresh toppings such as cucumber, feta, mint, and pickled red onion.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, soak the red onions in lemon juice for at least 30 minutes to mellow their sharpness and add brightness to the dish.
- You can substitute ground lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for a richer taste.
- If you prefer grilling, shape the kebabs around skewers and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat in your kebabs.
Storage
Store leftover cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid reheating under the broiler as it can dry them out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and shape the beef mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to one day before baking. Just cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap.
What can I use instead of tzatziki?
If you don’t have tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt works well as a refreshing alternative.
PrintBaked Beef Kebab with Herbs and Spices Recipe
This Beef Kebab recipe features flavorful ground beef mixed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, baked to perfection and served with traditional Greek accompaniments like pita bread, tzatziki, cucumber, and feta. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion, combining the robust taste of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika with the freshness of parsley and mint.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Beef Kebab
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
To Serve
- Store-bought tzatziki
- Chopped cucumber
- Red onions (soaked in lemon juice)
- Feta cheese
- Chopped fresh mint
- Greek style pita bread
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef with minced garlic, diced red onion, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until the ingredients are uniformly distributed and well seasoned.
- Form the Kebab Layer: Transfer the beef mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. Press it down evenly to form a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick, ensuring it’s compact enough to hold its shape but not too thick to cook evenly.
- Slice the Kebabs: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the pressed beef mixture into long strips approximately 1 to 1½ inches wide. Leave them on the pan; they will separate easily after baking.
- Bake the Kebabs: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 16 minutes or until the kebabs are fully cooked through, reaching a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Broil for Crispiness: For a crispier finish, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to ensure they do not burn.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the kebabs hot with warm Greek pita bread, store-bought tzatziki, chopped cucumber, pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh chopped mint for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it to enhance the flavors.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Soaking red onions in lemon juice helps reduce their sharpness, adding a pleasant tangy flavor.
- Leftover kebabs can be repurposed in wraps or salads the next day for a quick meal.
Keywords: beef kebab, baked kebabs, Mediterranean beef recipe, ground beef kebab, Greek style kebabs, easy kebab dinner, oven baked kebabs

