Moroccan Meatballs

A rich and aromatic dish featuring tender spiced meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with eggs, infused with warm Moroccan spices. This traditional North African meal is perfect for dipping with crusty bread or serving over couscous for a hearty and satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Moroccan flavors – A blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika brings warmth and depth to every bite.
• One-pot meal – Cooked in a single tagine or deep pan, making cleanup easy.
• Versatile – Serve with bread, couscous, or even rice for a complete meal.
• Rich and comforting – The combination of meatballs, tomato sauce, and poached eggs creates a dish full of bold flavors and textures.
• Perfect for sharing – A great dish for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the meatballs – In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and parsley. Form into small meatballs.
2. Sear the meatballs – Heat olive oil in a tagine or deep pan over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce – In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and spices, stirring for 1 minute.
4. Simmer the sauce – Pour in crushed tomatoes and water/broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Cook the meatballs – Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Add the eggs – Crack the eggs directly into the sauce, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the eggs are set but slightly runny.
7. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or couscous.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicier Version – Increase the cayenne pepper or add harissa for extra heat.
• Dairy-Free Option – This dish is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those with lactose intolerance.
• Vegetarian Alternative – Replace the meatballs with chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based version.
• Make it Heartier – Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra vegetables.
• Lighter Option – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the meatballs and sauce without the eggs for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat until heated through. If reheating frozen, allow to thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. What is a tagine, and do I need one to make this recipe?

A tagine is a traditional Moroccan clay pot used for slow cooking. However, you can make this dish in a deep skillet or Dutch oven if you don’t have a tagine.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat before adding the eggs.

3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, diced or whole canned tomatoes work as well. Just blend them slightly for a smoother sauce.

4. What’s the best way to serve Moroccan meatball tagine?

It’s traditionally served with crusty bread or couscous to soak up the sauce.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.

6. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce.

7. Can I add more eggs?

Yes, you can add extra eggs depending on how many servings you need. Just make space in the sauce before cracking them in.

8. Is this dish spicy?

The cayenne pepper adds mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes! Cook the sauce and meatballs on low for 4-5 hours, then add the eggs in the last 15-20 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Moroccan Meatball Tagine is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the rich spices of North Africa to your kitchen. The combination of tender meatballs, fragrant tomato sauce, and perfectly poached eggs makes it a standout meal. Whether served with warm bread or fluffy couscous, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Morocco!