Description
Moroccan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are spiced ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce with cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. Tender and flavorful, they pair beautifully with rice, couscous, or spaghetti for an easy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
500 g ground beef
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 onion, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 cup beef broth
2 cups tomato puree
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients and mix until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs, turning to brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In a pot, heat oil and sauté the onion for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in beef broth, tomato puree, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh mint or parsley and serve hot over rice, spaghetti, or couscous.
Notes
Substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer flavor.
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.
Swap beef for lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Add chopped cilantro or parsley into the meat mixture for extra freshness.
Add a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a melty surprise.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if sauce thickens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
