Moroccan Spiced Beef Meatballs in Tomato Cumin Sauce
Indulge in a flavorful journey with these Moroccan Spiced Beef Meatballs, perfectly infused with rich spices like chili powder, cinnamon, and cumin. The succulent ground beef is blended with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and a hint of creaminess from the milk and egg, forming tender meatballs that are simply irresistible. These meatballs are sautéed to golden perfection, then simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce, enhancing their flavor and moisture. Serve over fluffy couscous or rice for a wholesome meal that embodies the essence of Moroccan cuisine.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Onions
2 large (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Milk
2 tablespoons (for moistening mixture)
Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for binding meatballs)
Fresh parsley
2/3 cup (chopped, divided)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Ground beef
1 1/4 lbs (for meatballs)
Tomato sauce
16 ounces (for sauce)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (for flavoring sauce)
Salt
to taste
Cayenne pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by finely chopping the onions and mincing the garlic cloves.
2
Preheat your broiler and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, milk, panko breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley, chili powder, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
5
Incorporate half of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the breadcrumb mixture. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6
Form the mixture into uniform 2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
7
Broil the meatballs 6 inches from the heat source, turning occasionally to achieve a uniform golden brown on all sides.
8
While the meatballs are broiling, add the remaining sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the skillet. Pour in the tomato sauce and ground cumin, bringing the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
9
Once the meatballs are browned, carefully transfer them into the bubbling sauce. Allow the mix to return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Gently turn the meatballs with a slotted spoon occasionally to ensure all sides are coated in the sauce.
10
Once cooked, garnish with the remaining parsley. Serve the meatballs along with the robust sauce poured over a bed of couscous or rice, letting every bite transport you to the heart of Moroccan flavors.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
11.75g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name of the recipe?
The recipe is called Moroccan Spiced Beef Meatballs in Tomato Cumin Sauce.
What cuisine style does this dish belong to?
This dish belongs to Moroccan cuisine.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 8.75g per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 11.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does a serving contain?
Each serving contains 11.25g of protein.
How much fiber is in the meatballs?
The recipe contains 0.75g of fiber per serving.
How many different ingredients are needed?
A total of 14 ingredients are required for this recipe.
What is the main protein source?
The main protein source is ground beef.
How much ground beef should I buy?
You will need 1 1/4 lbs of ground beef for the meatballs.
What is used to bind the meatball mixture?
One egg and panko breadcrumbs are used as binders for the meatballs.
What specific breadcrumbs are required?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
What size should the meatballs be formed into?
The meatballs should be formed into uniform 2-inch balls.
How is the initial cooking of the meatballs handled?
The meatballs are broiled on a foil-lined baking sheet 6 inches from the heat source until golden brown.
What type of sauce are the meatballs simmered in?
The meatballs are simmered in a robust tomato and cumin-based sauce.
How long is the simmering process?
The meatballs should simmer in the sauce, covered, for about 15 minutes.
What spice provides the primary flavor for the sauce?
Two teaspoons of ground cumin provide the primary flavoring for the tomato sauce.
What fresh herb is used in the recipe?
Fresh parsley is used in the meatball mixture and as a garnish.
How much tomato sauce is needed for the dish?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of tomato sauce.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 large onions that should be finely chopped.
How many garlic cloves are used for seasoning?
Four minced garlic cloves are used to season both the meat and the sauce.
What liquid is used to moisten the breadcrumbs?
Two tablespoons of milk are used to moisten the meatball mixture.
Which spices are included in the meatball mixture?
The mixture includes chili powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper.
How should the baking sheet be prepared for broiling?
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Do the meatballs need to be turned during broiling?
Yes, they should be turned occasionally to achieve a uniform golden brown on all sides.
What are the recommended serving options?
The meatballs and sauce are best served over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice.
Is the dish spicy?
The dish contains chili powder and cayenne pepper, which provide a warm, spiced flavor profile.
How is the dish finished or garnished?
The dish is finished with a garnish of remaining fresh chopped parsley.
What amount of olive oil is used for sauteing?
One quarter cup of olive oil is used to saute the onions and garlic.
How many eggs are used in the meatball preparation?
One beaten egg is incorporated into the meatball mixture.