Go Back
+ servings
Meatball Tagine

Hearty Meatball Tagine: A Cozy Taste of Moroccan Comfort

Enjoy a warm and comforting Meatball Tagine rich with aromatic spices and flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Lamb or Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup Onion Grated.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Chopped.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped; can omit if not a fan.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Grated Tomatoes Can use canned diced tomatoes.
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Fresh preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro For garnishing.

Equipment

  • tagine or heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef with grated onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices like paprika and cumin. Use your hands to mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs, about 1¼ inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
  2. In a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and the remaining spices—cinnamon, ginger, and salt—cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the grated tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
  3. Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the chilled meatballs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid and let the meatballs simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. After the meatballs are done, use a spoon to create small wells in the sauce. Carefully crack an egg into each well. Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the egg whites are set, while the yolks remain runny.
  5. Once the eggs are set to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve warm with crusty bread, couscous, or rice to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish improves in flavor after sitting, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!