Fiery Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb meatballs infused with smoky harissa and warm spices, baked and served with a cooling yogurt dip for a balanced heat experience. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs pound ground lamb, tablespoons harissa paste, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground lamb, 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb meatballs hot drizzled with the lemony yogurt sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fiery Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fiery Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fiery Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fiery Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fiery Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs?

Middle Eastern lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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