Meatball Kabobs

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy meatball kabobs with fragrant cumin, grilled vegetables, and flavorful marination, perfect for outdoor gatherings or family dinners with bold, savory tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 c. minced onion
  • 1 Tbsp. minced parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • onions, quartered
  • peppers, quartered

Instructions

  1. Combine ground beef, dry bread crumbs, beaten egg, minced onion, minced parsley, and 1 1/2 tsp. cumin in a bowl.
  2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
  4. In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp. oil with the remaining cumin.
  5. Thread the meatballs, quartered onions, and quartered peppers onto skewers.
  6. Brush the skewers with the oil and cumin mixture.
  7. Grill over hot coals, rotating until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or grated Parmesan to the meatball mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have skewers, use a grill basket or bake the meatballs and veggies on a sheet pan. If desired, try enhancing the dish with a yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatball kabobs with warm pita bread for a delightful meal, or pair them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. They also make a great appetizer at gatherings, especially when served with a side of tzatziki or hummus. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider adding a side of Mediterranean recipes like stuffed pita pockets.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meatball Kabobs contains roughly 779 calories, with 23g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (84% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

779 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.1g 46% DV
Total Fat 58.1g 74% DV
Carbs 63.5g 23% DV
Fiber 12.9g 46% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 738.3mg 32% DV
Potassium 2208.3mg 47% DV
Cholesterol 37.6mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 83.9mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 25.3mg 28% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 1092.7mg 84% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill. This will save time and allow the flavors to meld together even more.

What vegetables can I use besides onions and peppers?

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. This flexibility allows you to customize your kabobs to your liking.

Can I cook these kabobs in the oven?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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