Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb meatballs are seasoned with smoky harissa and warm spices, pan-seared, and served with a cooling yogurt-dill sauce for contrast. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes blends ground lamb, harissa paste, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely diced onion, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 16 equal meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot meatballs with the yogurt-dill sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce?

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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce?

Mediterranean 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.

Related recipes