Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce

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

Tender lamb meatballs infused with smoky harissa and warming spices, served with a cooling yogurt-tahini sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling. This middle eastern-inspired lamb (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground lamb, garlic cloves, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While meatballs cook, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp each of chopped fresh mint and cilantro in a small bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Transfer cooked meatballs to a serving dish and drizzle with the yogurt-tahini sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce?

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 ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Tahini 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-Tahini 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.

Is Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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