These Oven-Baked Minced Meat Skewers with Potatoes and Onion offer a rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying Middle Eastern-style traybake. Well-seasoned ground beef (kofta) is shaped onto skewers and layered over a bed of round potato slices, onions, and spicy green chilies, then drenched in a savory tomato herb sauce.
Slow-cooked under foil so the potatoes absorb the spiced tomato juice and then roasted uncovered for a golden charred finish, this easy one-pan dish delivers exceptional homemade comfort food!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Servings: 3–4 portions
Ingredients
For the Minced Meat Skewers (Kofta):
- 400g (14 oz) minced beef or lamb
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
For the Vegetable Bed:
- 2–3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into round slices
- 1–2 medium onions, cut into round slices
- 2 whole hot green chili peppers
- 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika (for seasoning the vegetables)
For the Tomato Paste Sauce:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Skewers
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Knead the meat mixture well until smooth. Divide into equal portions and shape firmly around the soaked wooden skewers to form long kofta kebabs.
2. Arrange the Vegetable Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish or roasting tray, arrange the potato and onion slices evenly. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat the vegetables.
3. Assemble Skewers and Chilies
Place the prepared minced meat skewers directly on top of the potato and onion layer. Tuck the whole hot green chili peppers between the skewers for extra aroma and optional heat.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, 1 cup of warm water, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the meat skewers and underlying potatoes.
5. Bake Covered, Then Roast Uncovered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the skewers turn golden brown with light charred edges and the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot directly from the baking tray!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Compact the Meat Firmly: Squeeze the minced meat securely onto the skewers so it retains its shape during baking without falling apart.
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Keep potato rounds around ¼-inch thick so they soften quickly in the tomato steam under the foil.
- Control the Heat: Keep the chili peppers whole for a subtle aroma, or slice them open if you prefer a punchy, spicy sauce.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Add More Veggies: Slice bell peppers, zucchini, or fresh tomatoes to layer along with the potatoes and onions.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush the skewers with garlic butter during the final 5 minutes of roasting for an extra juicy shine.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese over the top right after removing the foil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Baked Minced Meat Skewers hot alongside warm pita or flatbread, a bowl of cool garlic yogurt sauce, or a crisp Arabic garden salad!
