How Long to Cook Beef Kabobs in the Oven for Perfectly Juicy Results

Beef kabobs are a classic summertime favorite. The sizzling skewers of tender, juicy beef and colorful veggies grilled over an open flame are hard to resist. But what if you want to enjoy these tasty skewers year-round without having to fire up the grill? The good news is you can easily make oven-baked beef kabobs with outstanding results.

The key to perfect oven beef kabobs lies in knowing exactly how long to cook them Overcooking will dry out the meat, while undercooking leaves you with a raw, unpleasant texture Follow this guide to learn foolproof techniques for achieving tender, juicy beef kabobs every time you bake them in the oven.

How Long Should You Cook Beef Kabobs in the Oven?

Most beef kabob recipes recommend cooking in a 375-400°F oven for 10-15 minutes. However cooking time can vary based on a few factors

Thickness of Beef Cubes

For medium-done beef, use larger 1 1/2-inch cubes. It will take 12 to 15 minutes. For smaller 1-inch cubes, 10-12 minutes is sufficient. It takes longer to cook bigger pieces because the heat has to work harder to reach the center.

Desired Doneness

It might only take 8–10 minutes for rare beef kabobs, but 15–18 minutes for well done. Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness rather than relying solely on time.

Oven Temperature

At a lower 325°F oven, beef kabobs will need 12-15 minutes. Higher temperatures around 400-425°F will cook faster in 10-12 minutes. Just keep in mind higher heats may overcook vegetables.

Cut of Beef

Tender cuts like tenderloin cook quicker than tougher cuts like chuck roast. Lean tenderloin may only require 10 minutes, while well-marbled ribeye could take 15 minutes or more.

How to Tell When Beef Kabobs Are Done

Checking temperature with an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure properly cooked beef kabobs.

• For Rare: 120-125°F
• For Medium Rare: 130-135°F
• For Medium: 140-145°F
• For Medium Well: 150-155°F
• For Well Done: 160+°F

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check for visual signs of doneness:

• Rare beef will be bright red in the center.
• Medium Rare shows a reddish-pink center.
• Medium beef is light pink inside.
• Well Done beef is uniformly brown throughout.

Cut into a beef cube to inspect the internal color and ensure your desired level of doneness.

Oven Beef Kabob Cooking Techniques

Follow these simple tricks to achieve tender, flavorful oven-baked beef kabobs:

• Marinate the Beef: Marinating for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours, tenderizes beef and infuses flavor.
• Partially Cook First: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to partially cook beef before switching to high broil. This prevents overcooking.
• Flip Halfway: Flip kabobs halfway through baking and again when broiling for even cooking.
• Rest Before Serving: Let kabobs rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t rely solely on time, always check internal temp.
• Group Evenly Sized Pieces: Cubed beef and veggies should be uniform in size for consistent cooking.

Handy Beef Kabob Cooking Time Charts

For quick reference, here are some cooking time guidelines based on the most common factors:

By Beef Cut

By Beef Cube Thickness

By Desired Doneness

Handy Tips for Juicy Beef Kabobs

Follow these extra tips for ensuring tender, mouthwatering oven-baked beef kabobs:

• Use metal or soaked wooden skewers – dry wood can burn.
• Cut beef across the grain for tenderness.
• Add veggies that cook quickly like peppers, onions, mushrooms.
• Brush with oil to promote browning.
• Bake at 350-375°F to avoid burnt exterior.
• Finish under the broiler for crispy charred edges.
• Avoid overcrowding skewers for even cooking.

Satisfying Sides for Oven Beef Kabobs

What are the best side dishes to serve alongside oven-roasted beef kabobs? Here are some delicious options:

• Rice pilaf or sautéed veggies
• Tabbouleh or Greek salad
• Roasted new potatoes
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Warm pita bread and hummus
• Herb-roasted carrots and asparagus

With the proper techniques, you can enjoy incredibly moist and tender oven-baked beef kabobs year-round. Use an instant-read thermometer and the handy cooking time charts to nail the perfect level of doneness. In around 10-15 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful beef kabobs without ever turning on the grill.