Some days I just need dinner that is simple, fast, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. That is when this ground beef kebabs recipe comes in. You probably know my mantra by now – easy dinner for busy days.
These homemade beef kebabs with cheese are exactly that kind of a meal. All you need are a handful of simple ingredients, a simple spice mix, shape the kebabs, and cook them. That’s it – super easy.
They are juicy, cheesy, and flavourful, and the best part is that you can cook them almost any way you like. From pan fried, air fried, grilled, or baked in the oven. Every method works great. Isn’t that just amazing? I love this flexibility!
When dinner needs to be easy, but still homemade and delicious, this beef kebabs recipe always save my day.
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What Are Beef Kebabs
Beef kebabs are delicious meat meal (kofta style) made with seasoned ground beef. The meat is mixed with garlic, onion, herbs, and seasoning, then shaped into small sausage-like forms.
Once cooked, the outside becomes golden and the inside stays juicy and tender. The melted cheese on the inside makes them extra rich and satisfying.
They are incredibly simple to make and even more fun to eat. You can serve them with a warm pita, fresh salad, or a homemade sauce and you have a meal that is both easy, delicious and filling.
Why This Recipe For Beef Kebabs Is So Good
There are many reasons why these kebabs show up in my kitchen again and again. They are very easy to prepare. All it takes is mixing everything in one bowl, shaping the kebabs, and they are ready to cook.
They are also very flexible. You can serve them as a full dinner with rice, pita bread, or salad. Or make them smaller and serve them as an appetizer when friends come over.
Another thing I love is that you can cook them in several ways. Pan fry them, cook them in the air fryer, grill them outside, or bake them in the oven. I have tried every method and they always turn out delicious.
And maybe the best part is that they take effectively about 10-15 minutes of your time to prepare. You can mix everything earlier in the day, store them in the fridge, and cook them later when you get home. Nothing beats an easy meal when you are tired after a long day.
NO IDEA WHAT TO COOK?
What You’ll Need For This Beef Kebabs Recipe
Ground beef – The meat is the base for the recipe. I usually use beef, but sometimes I mix it with pork or lamb for extra flavour. A mix of about 70% beef and 30% pork or lamb also works great.
Egg – The egg holds everything together and keeps the kebabs tender and flavourful.
Onion – Finely chopped onion adds moisture and lots of flavour. I can imagine ground meat without some finally chopped onion.
Garlic – You can add fresh minced garlic or garlic powder. You just need that wonderful flavour in here.
Oregano – You can use fresh oregano (always preferred) or dried oregano. But oregano is a must as it adds flavour.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning that brings everything together every time.
Grated cheese – This is what makes these kebabs extra special. Mozzarella or mild cheddar works great.
Flour – The flour helps absorb extra moisture and keeps the mixture easy to shape. Panko breadcrumbs can work too, but I prefer flour for this recipe.
Easy Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe
Course: Main, SnacksCuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Medium10
kebabs10
minutes15
minutes180
kcal25
minutesGround beef kebabs recipe - quick, juicy, and flavourful. This easy beef kebabs recipe with cheese makes the perfect homemade kebabs for busy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
½ cup finely chopped onion (or a small shallot)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or mild cheddar)
1-2 tablespoons flour
1 egg
Salt and black pepper to taste
Light olive oil for cooking
How to Make Homemade Beef Kebabs
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef.
- Finely chop the onion and add it to the meat.
- Add minced garlic, next.
- Season with oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add egg and mix everything together well.
- Add grated cheese into the mix.
- Finish with sprinkle of flour. Start with one tablespoon and mix it all well. Add some more, if needed. The mixture should hold together well, but not feel too dry.
- Shape the mixture into small sausage-like kebabs using your hands.
- Heat a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat and cook the kebabs on all sides until nicely golden and cooked through.
Notes
- To form the kebabs easily, wet your hands to prevent sticking the meat to your hands.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Kebabs
- Finely chop the onion – Large onion pieces can make the mixture fall apart. Chop the onion finely so it blends evenly into the meat and adds flavour without affecting the texture. You can also use food processor and pulse few times.
- Don’t skip the binders – The egg and flour help hold everything together. If the mixture feels too wet, add a small amount of extra flour until the kebabs hold their shape. Make sure you don’t make them too firm and dry.
- Mix just until combined – Over mixing can make the kebabs dense. Stir everything together until just combined so they stay tender and juicy.
- Wet your hands when shaping – Lightly wetting your hands makes it much easier to shape the kebabs and prevents the mixture from sticking.
- Chill the mixture if you have time – If the mixture feels soft, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes before shaping. This helps the kebabs hold their shape better when cooking.
- Cook on medium heat – Cooking over medium heat allows the kebabs to brown nicely on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give the kebabs a little space when cooking so they brown properly instead of steaming.
Other Ways to Cook the Kebabs
One of the best things about this recipe for beef kebabs is how flexible it is. I love that 100% about it.
Air Fryer – Cook at 380°F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through so they cook evenly.
Grill (BBQ) – Perfect for summer. Grill on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. To cook evenly
Oven Baked – Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
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How to Serve The Kebabs
One of my favourite ways to serve the kebabs is tucked into warm pita bread with tzatziki or a simple homemade sauce. Add some fresh salad and sliced onions and you have an easy, satisfying meal.
They are also great served over yellow rice with a spicy mayo or your favourite sauce.
And if you are hosting friends, make smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers. They disappear very quickly as they are that good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the kebab mixture ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and shape the kebabs the day before. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This makes the next day dinner faster on busy days.
Why are my kebabs falling apart?
If the kebabs don’t hold their shape, the mixture may be too wet. Adding a bit extra flour or breadcrumbs will help bind everything together. Also make sure the mixture is well mixed before shaping.
Can I freeze the beef kebabs?
Shape the kebabs and place them on a tray to freeze for about 1 hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Take them out at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
What cheese works best for these kebabs?
Mozzarella and mild cheddar are great, because they melt well and add extra flavour. You can also try Monterey Jack or gouda for a stronger flavour.
Can I make these kebabs without cheese?
Absolutely. Simply skip the cheese and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. They will still be juicy and flavourful.
How do I know when the kebabs are fully cooked?
The outside should be golden brown, and the inside should no longer be pink. Cooking at medium heat will help with that.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
