Moroccan meatballs

Discover the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this delicious Moroccan Meatballs recipe. Made with succulent ground beef, fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, and a touch of sweet honey, these meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds!

29 Nov 2025
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

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.

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.

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!

Nutrition per serving

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

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