Moroccan Meatballs Tagine Kefta Recipe

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant souks of Morocco with this authentic Kefta Tagine recipe! Learned from a Moroccan chef, Naima, this recipe features juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or serving over spaghetti. Fresh, flavorful ingredients are key – use the juiciest tomatoes you can find! While traditionally cooked in a tagine, this recipe easily adapts to a deep frying pan, delivering the same incredible taste. Discover a culinary adventure in just 35 minutes!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 780.1 kcal
Protein 85g
Rating 4.4 (51 Reviews)
Moroccan Meatballs Tagine Kefta

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Moroccan Meatballs Tagine Kefta

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Moroccan Meatballs Tagine Kefta? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Moroccan Meatballs Tagine Kefta

  1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a tagine or deep, covered frying pan, combine 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. **Make the Meatballs:** In a bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground lamb or beef, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (reserve 1 tbsp for garnish), 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Avoid overmixing. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. **Simmer the Sauce:** After 15 minutes, check the sauce consistency and add a little more chicken broth if needed. Stir gently.
  4. **Add Meatballs:** Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
  5. **Cook Gently:** Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, without stirring, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. **Final Simmer:** Uncover and simmer for another 2 minutes if the sauce requires further thickening.
  7. **Serve & Enjoy:** Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over spaghetti topped with parmesan cheese. Garnish with the reserved tablespoon of parsley.
  8. **Freezing Instructions:** To freeze, omit the fresh parsley. Place the cooked meatballs in an airtight container and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until bubbly. Add fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

42g

Fat

77g

Carbs

7g