Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cumin Sauce

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

Juicy lamb meatballs seasoned with primary warm spices simmered in a fragrant tomato and cumin sauce, served with flatbread or rice. This middle eastern ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 30 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 410 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 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 18 equal meatballs, about 1 1/2-inch diameter. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-6 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm with flatbread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cumin Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cumin 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 Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cumin 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 Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cumin 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 Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tomato-Cumin Sauce?

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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