Moroccan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Dive into the rich, aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine with these tender Moroccan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. A perfect fusion of ground beef and lamb is seasoned with warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, creating irresistible, fragrant meatballs. They're gently simmered in a vibrant, harissa-spiked tomato sauce until perfectly cooked and infused with flavor. This comforting, one-pan dish is surprisingly easy to make and ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Serve these Moroccan meatballs with fluffy couscous, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce. Perfectly spiced and utterly satisfying, this dish is a must-try for lovers of global cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 250 g ground lamb
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 60 g breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 120 ml water

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.

Step 3

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Set the meatballs aside on a plate or tray.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the meatballs in batches, searing them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. They don't need to cook through at this stage. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.

Step 6

In the same pan, add the canned crushed tomatoes, harissa paste, sugar, and water. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the meatballs to the pan, gently nestling them into the tomato sauce.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to prevent sticking. The meatballs should cook through, and the sauce should thicken slightly.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the Moroccan meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley. Pair them with crusty bread, couscous, or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2020.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2752.7

Total Fat 181.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.1g
Cholesterol 813.5mg	0%
Sodium 5946.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.6g	0%
Total Sugars 50.5g
Protein 175.9g	0%

Vitamin D 63.8IU	0%
Calcium 495.2mg	0%
Iron 27.5mg	0%
Potassium 5340.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.6%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 17.6%