Description
These Moroccan Meatballs are rich with spices, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, and infused with classic North African ingredients like cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs. Perfect served with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients together until well combined. Form into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, turning meatballs occasionally, until fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the sauce.
- This dish freezes well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Adjust cayenne for more or less heat depending on your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg