Description
These flavorful Moroccan Meatballs are made with a fragrant blend of spices, ground beef or lamb, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting main course, they bring a taste of North African cuisine to your table with tender meatballs infused with cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides evenly. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and water, mixing well to combine.
- Simmer the meatballs in sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Serve warm alongside couscous, rice, or flatbread if desired.
Notes
- These meatballs pair perfectly with couscous, rice, or flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of harissa to the tomato sauce.
- Use lamb for a richer taste or beef for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
