Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Harissa Tomato Sauce

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

Tender ground beef meatballs infused with Moroccan spices simmered in a spicy Whole30-compliant harissa tomato sauce, perfect for a flavorful dinner. This middle eastern-inspired beef (whole30) ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 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 beef, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp Whole30-compliant harissa paste. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Harissa Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Harissa Tomato 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 beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Harissa Tomato 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 Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Harissa Tomato 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 Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef Meatballs with Harissa Tomato Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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