Moroccan Meatballs

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Moroccan Meatballs. Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of warm spices wafting through the air, and the sound of laughter filling the home as family gathers around the dinner table. That’s the magic of this dish. I first stumbled upon Moroccan Meatballs during a family gathering, where the host shared this wonderful recipe. Each meatball, tender and infused with flavors, felt like a warm hug with every bite. It was a dish that not only satisfied hunger but also brought everyone together in joy over shared flavors and stories. The best part? It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Moroccan Meatballs

The ingredients for Moroccan Meatballs are a perfect blend of richness and zest. Each component plays a vital role in creating a flavorful dish. From ground beef that serves as the base to spices that add depth, this recipe brings together a medley of flavors that excite the palate.

• 1 pound ground beef – The heart of the dish, offering a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• 1 onion (chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the meatballs.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Infuses the meatballs with a wonderful aroma.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced) – Brings a warm, zesty note that elevates the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander – A key spice that adds a citrusy undertone.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Provides a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in Moroccan cuisine.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a hint of sweetness and warmth.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – Gives a lovely smokiness and vibrant color.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper – Adds a mild heat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking and adding richness.
• ½ cup beef broth (low sodium) – Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Deepens the sauce’s flavor.
• 2 cups tomato puree (or passata) – Forms the base of the delicious sauce.
• Fresh mint (for garnish) – Brightens the dish and adds freshness.

Moroccan Meatballs Instructions

Making Moroccan Meatballs is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with delightful scents. Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful dish!

1. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients: ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, egg, salt, and pepper. Using your clean hands, mix well until fully combined. This is where the magic starts!

2. Shape the meat mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Aim for about 20 meatballs; you’ll want them to be uniform in size for even cooking.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them until they are golden brown all around, which should take about 7 minutes. If your skillet isn’t large enough, don’t hesitate to do this in batches.

4. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside. This keeps them warm while you work on the sauce.

5. Using the same skillet, pour in the beef broth. Use a spatula to deglaze the skillet, stirring and scraping all the brown bits stuck at the bottom. This will add incredible flavor to your sauce. Bring it to a simmer, ensuring there are no more brown bits.

6. Add the remaining spices: ground coriander, ground cumin, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it cook for about 1 minute, allowing the liquid to reduce by half. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully.

7. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

8. Now it’s time to add the tomato puree. Stir it into the mixture and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

9. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld while keeping the sauce from splattering everywhere.

10. Lastly, add the meatballs back to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce, ensuring they are coated well. Cover and let them simmer for an additional 20 minutes.

11. Once done, garnish with fresh mint. Serve your Moroccan Meatballs over pasta or fluffy couscous for a complete meal!

Making Adjustments

Cooking is an evolving art, and sometimes you need to tweak recipes to fit your lifestyle or pantry. Here are some tips for making adjustments with Moroccan Meatballs.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze well! Separate them from the sauce and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne.
• Ingredient Swaps: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
• Serving Ideas: Serve on a bed of couscous, alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

What to Serve With Moroccan Meatballs

Pairing is essential when it comes to Moroccan Meatballs. Here are some fantastic suggestions!

• Couscous: This fluffy grain is traditional and absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Vegetable Medley: Roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables complement the meatballs perfectly.
• Pita Bread: Soft pita is great for scooping up the meatballs and sauce.
• Salad: A fresh salad with a citrus dressing can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
• Festive Occasions: This dish is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or even during Ramadan, as it’s hearty and satisfying.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Moroccan Meatballs lies in their perfect blend of spices and textures that create a heartwarming dish. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, they are sure to impress everyone at the table. So why not give this recipe a try? Its flavors are sure to bring comfort and joy to your meal, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Moroccan Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, Moroccan Meatballs are a savory delight combining warm spices and tender beef. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant gathering, these meatballs simmer in a flavorful sauce that will satisfy your taste buds. Serve them over pasta or couscous for a delicious weeknight treat that's sure to impress!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Moroccan

Servings 5 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups tomato puree (or passata)
• to taste fresh mint (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients: ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, egg, salt, and pepper. Using your clean hands, mix well until fully combined. This is where the magic starts!
• Shape the meat mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Aim for about 20 meatballs; you’ll want them to be uniform in size for even cooking.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them until they are golden brown all around, which should take about 7 minutes. If your skillet isn’t large enough, don’t hesitate to do this in batches.
• Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside. This keeps them warm while you work on the sauce.
• Using the same skillet, pour in the beef broth. Use a spatula to deglaze the skillet, stirring and scraping all the brown bits stuck at the bottom. This will add incredible flavor to your sauce. Bring it to a simmer, ensuring there are no more brown bits.
• Add the remaining spices: ground coriander, ground cumin, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it cook for about 1 minute, allowing the liquid to reduce by half. You'll notice the sauce thickening beautifully.
• Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
• Now it’s time to add the tomato puree. Stir it into the mixture and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld while keeping the sauce from splattering everywhere.
• Lastly, add the meatballs back to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce, ensuring they are coated well. Cover and let them simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
• Once done, garnish with fresh mint. Serve your Moroccan Meatballs over pasta or fluffy couscous for a complete meal!

Notes

• Tip: Tomato passata is an uncooked tomato puree that has been strained of seeds and skins. Usually they’re found on the bottom shelf in the canned tomato product section. If you cannot find passata, use tomato puree or even crushed tomatoes.
• Tip: This dish can be made ahead of time if that’s what you’re into! Both the sauce and the meatballs themselves are perfect for the fridge or freezer.
• Tip: These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days. This recipe also freezes quite well so just be sure to separate the balls from the sauce in airtight containers and store. Each should last around 3 months frozen.

Keyword easy Moroccan dinner, flavorful meatball recipe, Moroccan Meatballs, spiced meatballs