Ground Beef Kabobs

You’re going to love these Ground Beef Kabobs! (also known as kebabs or skewers)

They are bursting with rich, aromatic flavors from the blend of spices and fresh herbs.

The combination of cumin, coriander, and paprika gives the beef a warm, earthy taste, while the touch of cinnamon adds an unexpected depth.

They’re juicy, tender, and have just the right amount of seasoning. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

The best part is how easy they are to prepare, making them a delicious and stress-free dinner. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Kabobs

With Flatbread: Serve the kabobs with warm pita or naan bread. You can wrap the kabobs in the bread with some fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and add a dollop of tzatziki or hummus for extra flavor.

Over Rice: Pair the kabobs with a side of fragrant basmati or jasmine rice. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of freshness. You can also serve with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables.

With a Salad: Accompany the kabobs with a fresh Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. A tabbouleh salad with bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice is also a great option.

With Dips: Serve a variety of dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush alongside the kabobs. These dips add extra flavor and are perfect for dipping both the kabobs and any accompanying bread.

As Part of a Mezze Platter: Create a mezze platter with the kabobs as the centerpiece. Include an assortment of appetizers like stuffed grape leaves, olives, falafel, grilled vegetables, and various dips. This makes for a colorful and delicious spread that’s perfect for sharing.

With Grilled Vegetables: Serve the kabobs with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Drizzle the vegetables with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before grilling.

With Couscous: Pair the kabobs with fluffy couscous cooked in chicken or vegetable broth and mixed with chopped fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

With a Yogurt Sauce: Serve the kabobs with a cool and creamy yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and chopped herbs like dill or mint. This sauce complements the warm spices in the kabobs and adds a refreshing contrast.

With a Simple Side Salad: A simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, pairs well with the kabobs and adds a light, fresh component to the meal.

With Pickled Vegetables: Include some pickled vegetables like pickled red onions, cucumbers, or turnips. The tanginess of the pickles enhances the flavors of the kabobs and provides a nice contrast.

These serving suggestions will help you create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your Ground Beef Kabobs. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

1. hoose the Right Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef with a fat content of around 85/15 or 90/10. Too much fat can cause flare-ups on the grill and lead to overly greasy kabobs.
2. Add Moisture and Flavor: To keep the kabobs juicy and flavorful, add ingredients like minced onion, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices to the ground beef mixture. These ingredients not only enhance the taste but also help bind the meat together.
3. Use Skewers with Care: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Alternatively, use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking.
4. Shape the Kabobs Uniformly: When shaping the meat mixture around the skewers, try to make the kabobs as uniform in size and shape as possible. This ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
5. Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the kabobs. This helps sear the meat quickly, locking in juices and flavors.
6. Keep Kabobs Firm: Handle the kabobs gently when placing them on the grill to prevent them from falling apart. Use a spatula or tongs to support the kabobs as you transfer them to the grill.
7. Avoid Overcooking: Ground beef cooks relatively quickly, so keep an eye on the kabobs to prevent them from becoming dry and tough. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest Before Serving: Allow the kabobs to rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
9. Check for Doneness: To ensure the kabobs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (71°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the kabob.
10. Serve with Fresh Accompaniments: Garnish the cooked kabobs with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the meat just before eating. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish.

With these cooking tips, your Ground Beef Kabobs will turn out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and delicious every time!

Enjoy grilling and savoring this Middle Eastern-inspired dish.

Recipe FAQ’s

How long should I marinate ground beef kabobs?

Marinate your ground beef kabobs for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. For a stronger flavor, you can marinate them for up to 24 hours.

How do I prevent kabobs from sticking to the grill?

To prevent your kabobs from sticking to the grill, make sure it’s clean and well-oiled before cooking. You can also spray the skewers with cooking spray or oil them lightly before grilling.

Can I make ground beef kabobs without a grill?

While grilling adds that classic smoky flavor, you can still enjoy delicious kabobs by broiling or baking them in the oven.