Moroccan Meatball Tagine Recipe – Flavorful & Easy to Make!

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for when you’re craving something exotic, comforting, and packed with flavor—Moroccan Meatball Tagine.

This dish is a delicious blend of spiced meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce with hints of cinnamon, cumin, and paprika.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or a seasoned fan, this tagine is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get started!

What’s in This Moroccan Meatball Tagine?

A tagine is a traditional North African dish named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in. However, you don’t need a tagine pot to make this recipe—a regular skillet or Dutch oven works just fine.

The dish features tender, spiced meatballs made with ground beef or lamb, simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and a blend of Moroccan spices. It’s typically served with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Moroccan Meatball Tagine:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
1 small onion (finely grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg (lightly beaten)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Tagine Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken or beef broth (low-sodium is best)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Moroccan Meatball Tagine

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this flavorful dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, egg, and parsley. Mix everything together until well combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Tagine Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and honey (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs

Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot. This dish is perfect with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Cooking Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Serving

This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: About 400-450 calories per serving
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g

This dish is rich and satisfying, making it a great option for a comforting meal.

Tips and Tricks

Use a mix of meats: Combining beef and lamb adds extra flavor to the meatballs, but you can use just one if you prefer.
Make it ahead: The flavors of this dish deepen over time, so it’s a great make-ahead meal. Reheat gently before serving.
Add veggies: Feel free to add diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Moroccan Meatball Tagine because it’s so flavorful and comforting. The blend of spices gives it a unique, exotic taste, while the tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce make it hearty and satisfying. It’s special enough for a dinner party or holiday meal.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!