Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cilantro Sauce

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

Tender lamb meatballs infused with warm Moroccan spices, simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce brightened with fresh cilantro. This mediterranean-inspired french ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground lamb, onion, garlic cloves 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 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean 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, 1 small finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 16 pieces. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup water, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve hot with couscous or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cilantro 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 Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cilantro 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 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cilantro 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 Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cilantro 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 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cilantro Sauce?

Mediterranean french 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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