These oven baked 4-ingredient beef and pepper skewers are the kind of simple, dependable recipe that earns a permanent place in a family recipe box. With just beef sirloin, bell peppers, Italian dressing, and a little seasoning from the marinade, they come together quickly and bake into tender, savory bites with lightly charred edges. They have the easy spirit of summer cookouts, but making them in the oven means you can enjoy that same nostalgic flavor any time of year without tending a grill.

Serve these skewers with rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, buttered corn, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. They also work beautifully as a party appetizer alongside toasted bread, pasta salad, or a cool cucumber salad. If you want something to balance the richness of the beef, a simple bowl of fresh fruit or a lemony slaw makes a nice contrast.

Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Beef and Pepper Skewers

Servings: 4

Close-up of baked beef and pepper skewers
Close-up of baked beef and pepper skewers

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup Italian dressing

Directions

1. If using wooden appetizer sticks, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes. Heat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Place the beef chunks in a bowl, pour in the Italian dressing, and toss well. Let the beef marinate for 20 to 30 minutes while you prepare the peppers.

3. Thread the marinated beef onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red and green bell pepper. Arrange the skewers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the skewers and bake for 6 to 10 minutes more, until the beef is browned at the edges and cooked to your preferred doneness and the peppers are slightly charred.

5. Let the skewers rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving so the juices can settle. Serve warm straight from the pan or transfer to a platter.

Variations & Tips

Use the right cut: Sirloin is a great choice here because it stays tender while still being sturdy enough for skewers. Try to cut the pieces evenly so the beef cooks at the same rate.

Marinating time: Even 20 minutes adds good flavor, but if you have more time, you can marinate the beef in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours for a deeper savory taste.

Broiler finish: If you want more color and a touch more char, place the skewers under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on them so the peppers blister without overcooking the beef.

Make them party-size: Small appetizer sticks make these perfect for gatherings, but you can also use longer skewers and serve them as a main course with rice or potatoes.

Pepper swap: Yellow or orange bell peppers can be used in place of one of the peppers for a sweeter flavor and a more colorful tray. The method stays exactly the same.