Intermediate-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Middle Eastern Herbs

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

Tender lamb meatballs seasoned with warm spices and fresh herbs, cooked in a light tomato sauce for a hearty, aromatic dish. This middle eastern ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground lamb, onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 finely chopped medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 large beaten egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 20 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm with rice or flatbread, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Intermediate-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Middle Eastern Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Intermediate-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Middle Eastern Herbs?

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 Intermediate-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Middle Eastern Herbs?

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 Intermediate-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Middle Eastern Herbs 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 Intermediate-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Middle Eastern Herbs?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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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