Moroccan meatballs

Moroccan meatballs are a blend of ground beef, herbs, and spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating an aromatic dish. Enjoy the fusion of flavors from cumin, paprika, and cinnamon in each bite.

05 Feb 2026
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1/3 cup bread crumbs
2 tsp coriander leaves
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried coriander
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion
2 garlic cloves
1 can canned tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp honey

Moroccan meatballs are a delightful fusion of spices and hearty ingredients, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Perfect for any meal, these meatballs combine ground beef with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delicious meatballs, bringing the exotic flavors of Morocco to your kitchen.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped coriander leaves, ground cumin, paprika, and dried coriander.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them carefully. This should take about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, water, cinnamon stick, and honey to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

5. Serve:
- Remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce before serving.
- Serve the Moroccan meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped coriander leaves if desired.

Congratulations on cooking Moroccan meatballs! You've created a dish that's packed with robust flavors and rich aromas characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. Whether enjoyed on their own or served with a side, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your table. Don't forget to pair them with couscous or flatbread to make the meal even more satisfying. Enjoy your culinary journey through Morocco!

Moroccan meatballs FAQ:

What is the baking time for Moroccan meatballs?

The meatballs are cooked on the stovetop rather than baked. After browning them, they should simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

How can I tell if the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they are no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The sauce should also be thickened.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the ground beef. Adjust cooking times as necessary, especially if using leaner meats.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover Moroccan meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs. For coriander, use about three times the amount of fresh as dried, but adjust to your taste.

Tips:

- Use fresh coriander leaves for enhanced flavor, but if you don't have them, dried coriander will also work.

- Make sure to finely chop the red onion and garlic cloves to ensure they evenly mix into the meatball mixture.

- If the meatball mixture feels too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs to bind it together.

- Brown the meatballs in a hot pan before simmering them in the sauce to lock in the juices and add extra flavor.

- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to fully develop the flavors.

- Serve the Moroccan meatballs over couscous or with warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 400kcal
Protein 24g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 4.24g
Sugar 6g
Fat 30g

Moroccan meatballs