Description
Delicious Moroccan Meatballs cooked to perfection by roasting and simmering in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with traditional spices like cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. This hearty dish blends ground beef and lamb with fragrant herbs and spices, offering a flavorful taste of Moroccan cuisine that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground lamb (or beef)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon all-spice
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 – 3 garlic cloves (minced)
For the Sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F to prepare for roasting the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, Panko breadcrumbs, dried minced onion, dried parsley, cinnamon, all-spice, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form and Roast Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to partially cook and develop a crust.
- Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the crushed tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the roasted meatballs along with any drippings from the baking sheet into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165˚F, ensuring they are fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the meatballs with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb fully with beef if preferred.
- If Panko breadcrumbs are unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used.
- Check meatballs’ internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safety.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley according to taste.
- This dish pairs well with couscous, rice, or warm flatbread.
