Description
This Moroccan Meatballs recipe features tender ground beef or lamb meatballs infused with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfectly complemented with fresh herbs, these meatballs make a hearty and comforting dish that’s ideal for serving with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
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
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and cilantro, ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Make Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add the prepared meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the pan and let them cook on gentle heat for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The meatballs should be fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the meatballs before serving. Serve hot alongside couscous, rice, or flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Breadcrumbs in the meatballs are optional but help bind the mixture for a firmer texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder dish.
- Feel free to substitute ground lamb with ground beef or a mixture of both for different flavor profiles.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
