Smoked Sheet Pan Beef Kebabs

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 onion (grated and squeezed dry)
• 3 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)
• 0.25 cup parsley (chopped)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon (optional, but traditional)
• 1 large cucumber (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.5 red onion (thinly sliced)
• parsley (small handful, chopped)
• 0.5 lemon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar (1-2 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 head roasted garlic (whole head)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tbsp chives (chopped)
• 2.5 tbsp feta cheese (2-3 tbsp, crumbled)
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 0.5 lemon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, grated garlic, tomato paste, chopped parsley, kosher salt, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cinnamon.

2. 2

   Mix all of the kebab ingredients by hand or with a spoon until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.

3. 3

   Transfer the beef mixture to a sheet pan and press it down firmly until it is an even layer about 1/2-inch thick.

4. 4

   Using a spatula or bench scraper, cut the meat into long, uniform strips directly in the pan.

5. 5

   Preheat your smoker or grill to 400°F (205°C).

6. 6

   Place the sheet pan in the smoker and cook until the beef is browned with crispy edges and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

7. 7

   While the beef is smoking, prepare the cucumber salad by tossing together the chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Prepare the garlic feta ranch by mixing the Greek yogurt, sour cream, roasted garlic (squeezed out of the skins), chopped dill, chives, crumbled feta, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. 9

   Serve the warm beef kebab strips in pita or flatbread, topped with the cucumber salad and a generous drizzle of the garlic feta ranch.

Notes

Ensure the grated onion is squeezed very dry to prevent the beef mixture from becoming too wet, which would hinder browning. The cinnamon is optional but adds a traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• beef
• smoked
• sheet pan
• kofta
• Middle Eastern
• dinner
• grilled