For the last meal in my series featuring Texas Beef Council Beef I wanted to do something relatively quick, easy and family-friendly. I say all this with a caveat (and possible rant), growing up family-friendly was any meal, my mom didn't tolerate or raise picky eaters so whatever the 'adult' meal of the evening was, chances are it was the kid meal too! While this isn't how everyone is raised I do feel strongly that healthy food that isn't 'kid' food is a must so I find it important to share things that I think even mildly picky eaters would enjoy : )

Greek Beef Kebabs

Ingredients:
For the kebabs:
2 lbs. ground beef
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. cumin
salt and black pepper to taste


For the yogurt sauce:
1-1/2 cups Greek yogurt, strained
1 tsp. paprika
3 tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 a large seedless cucumber (or regular one seeded), diced finely

For the tomato sauce:
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz.)
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tbsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
pinch of ground clove
1 cinnamon stick
salt and pepper to taste


Prep the kebabs:
1. Combine the ingredients very well in a large bowl if you have time chill them to allow the flavors to meld, otherwise shape them and place them in a greased (13x9) baking pan.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Once oven is heated to correct temperature, bake meat ball/kebabs for 35-40 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Make the sauces:
1. To make the yogurt sauce by combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing well with a whisk. Set in fridge to chill.

2. Prepare the tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Saute the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and diced tomatoes with their liquid. Add the sugar, vinegar, cayenne pepper, clove, cinnamon stick, and salt and pepper.
3. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.



The nice thing about this meal is that it can all be done at the same time. I served this with warmed pita and some veggies, it was super simple and very tasty, it also made great leftovers!