Moroccan meatballs, traditionally called kefta, are made with lean ground beef and boldly seasoned with Ras el Hanout, then pan-seared until juicy. I like to serve this meatball recipe with a zesty fresh carrot salad. I include that recipe as well, along with more ways to enjoy these bite-sized wonders. 

Moroccan Meatballs served in Pita Pockets with Fresh Vegetables and Carrot Salad. A side of Olives

These Moroccan meatballs showcase everything I love about the humble meatball—inexpensive, easy, juicy, and so flavorful. 

For this meatball recipe, I flavor ground beef or lamb with a classic Moroccan spice blend known as Ras el Hanout. Filled with warming spices, it’s the same flavor-maker I use to build deep, complex, aromatic flavor quickly in recipes like my Pastilla (Skillet Chicken Pie) or Moroccan Lamb Stew. If you haven’t tried Ras el Hanout yet, get ready to meet your new favorite spice blend!

Just like my Middle Eastern-style baked meatballs with hummus, this recipe proves there’s so much more than just spaghetti with meatballs! Make this meatball recipe to serve with pita pockets, minty carrot salad, and fresh herbs for the perfect casual dinner. Or, if a big gathering is on the horizon, skewer them with toothpicks and serve as a dinner party appetizer with plenty of cooling Tzatziki Sauce for dipping.

Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients for Moroccan Meatballs
  2. How to Make Moroccan Meatballs
  3. What is Ras el Hanout?
  4. Tips for Making the Best Moroccan Meatballs
  5. How to Serve Moroccan Meatballs
  6. More Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes
  7. Moroccan Meatballs Recipe
Moroccan meatballs mixture with onions, garlic, cilantro, and spices

Ingredients for Moroccan Meatballs

These perfectly seasoned little meatballs are a nod to street food from Marrakesh. Even if you live a very long plane ride away, though, you likely already have the majority of the ingredients waiting in your pantry. There is one exception: Ras el Hanout. Luckily, it’s easy to source at our shop!

  • White bread: A toasted or stale slice of bread, soaked in water or milk, helps the meatballs stay juicy.
  • Meat: Use lean ground beef, lamb, or a mixture of both. 
  • Flavor makers: Red onion, garlic, and cilantro add a depth of flavor. You can substitute the red onion for shallot or yellow onion if you’d like. If cilantro’s not your thing, feel free to use parsley. 
  • Spices: Ras el Hanout is the primary flavor for these meatballs—I wouldn’t try to substitute it. (You can learn more about this beautiful spice blend in the “What is Ras el Hanout” section below.) From there, salt and pepper enhance the flavor and ginger and cayenne add a little extra oomph. If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch more cayenne. If you don’t do spicy, you can leave it out. 
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Used to cook the meatballs and dress the salad. Use a smooth, buttery olive oil that’s not too bitter, like our Italian Nocellara.
  • Carrots salad: A simple salad made from carrots, orange juice, mint, plus olive oil, salt, and pepper adds crunch and freshness. I like to use rainbow carrots to bring some extra color to the platter, but any large carrots you have on hand will work well. 
  • Optional sides: You can take this beef meatball recipe in so many directions. I like to make pita sandwiches with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, Tzatziki Sauce, and thinly sliced shallot. Rice, Tahini Sauce, plain Greek yogurt, and flatbread are also delicious options! 

How to Make Moroccan Meatballs

These Moroccan meatballs are simple, they just take a small amount of planning. Allow yourself 30 minutes extra time to let them rest in your fridge. 

  • Get the meat ready. Toast one slice of white bread and soak it in water or milk until it’s soft. Once the bread is soaked through, squeeze it dry and set it in a large mixing bowl. To the bowl, add 1 1/4 pound of ground beef, then grate one small red onion and add, along with 2 minced garlic cloves, and a handful of chopped cilantro leaves. 
  • Season and knead. Season with 3 teaspoons of Ras el Hanout, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Using clean hands, mix or knead until the meat mixture is well combined.
  • Make and chill the meatballs. Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. Once the meatballs are shaped, arrange on a tray and cover. If you have the time, refrigerate for 30 minutes. (This prevents the meatballs from falling apart when they’re cooked.)Meatballs arranged on tray to cool in fridge before cooking
  • Make a shaved carrot salad. While the meatballs are chilling, use a vegetable peeler to shave 4 carrots into ribbons. Once you’ve shaved the carrots, place them into a medium mixing bowl. Next, add 3 tablespoons of orange juice, a handful of chopped mint leaves, and a good glug of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set aside in your fridge. Shaved Carrot Salad to Serve with Morrocan Meatballs
  • Prepare your fixings. Get any sides for serving ready to go, like Pita Bread or rice and Tzatziki or Tahini sauce or Greek yogurt. 
  • Cook the meatballs. Heat a large cast iron or frying skillet over medium heat. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil. When the pan is hot, cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they’re cooked through and charred, about 7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Serve. Arrange the meatballs on a large platter. Spread the carrot salad along the side, along with any other fixings of your choice. Let your family, guests, friends, and neighbors serve themselves!

What is Ras el Hanout?

The name “Ras el Hanout” translates to “head of the shop” or “top of the shelf.” It’s basically the spice market verison of, “give me the best you’ve got.” The fragrant spice blend is used throughout North Africa and the Middle East, however its origins are rooted in Morocco.

While the exact recipe varies from region to region, shop to shop, and family to family, the blend consists of a complex mix of anywhere from 10 to 30 different spices. Combining sweet, savory, and spicy notes, it typically includes warming spices like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. The result is a versatile spice blend that gives a wide range of dishes a bold Mediterranean flavor, including Pastilla (Skillet Chicken Pie), braised fish and chicken, Lamb Stew, couscous and more.

Look for this delightfully aromatic spice at your local Middle Eastern market, the spice section of your grocery store, or online at our shop

Loaded pita pocket with Moroccan Meatballs

Tips for Making the Best Moroccan Meatballs

My meatball philosophy (and cooking philosophy more generally) is that they don’t need to be perfect to be delicious. If a few meatballs fall apart in my pan, I simply count them as a chef’s snack to enjoy while I finish cooking. With that said, here are a few techniques to make the best meatballs possible: 

  • Keep them small: I recommend bite-sized meatballs, a little smaller than a golf ball. Small meatballs are not only easier to eat, but to cook as well—no need to turn on your oven!
  • Chill: It’s amazing what 30 minutes in the refrigerator can do to a meatball. If you have time, make sure to chill the meatballs before cooking them. The fat will start to solidify, the proteins start to bond. Your meatballs will not only hold together better, they’ll be juicier and more delicious.  
  • Easy on the oil: These small meatballs are meant to be pan-seared, not fried. Less oil helps them get a nice char. Make sure the pan is nice and hot, and brown the meatballs in batches. If you’re having issues with sticking, add just enough oil to the pan to coat. 
  • A note on serving size: This recipe will yield between 25 to 35 meatballs, depending on their size. Served in pita pockets as dinner, it will serve 4 or 5 people. If you’re serving as an appetizer along with other items, there will be enough for up to 10 people. 
Large spread with Morrocan Meatballs and different sides including Tztaziki Sauce, Olives, Carrot Salad, Pita Bread

How to Serve Moroccan Meatballs

This Moroccan meatballs recipe is meant to be casual and inviting; there is no right or wrong way to serve them!

Leave them in the skillet and serve them as an appetizer along with other sides, like Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Salad) or homemade hummus

To serve them for dinner, load them up in pita pockets, as they do on the streets of Marrakech. Add olives, sliced cherry tomatoes, onions, and fresh parsley. I like to drizzle on a bit of cooling Tzatziki sauce or nutty Tahini sauce (personal preference) or plain Greek yogurt.

If you’re up to it, don’t skip the simple shaved carrot salad I included in the recipe. It’s just a combination of ribboned carrots with a little orange juice, olive oil, and fresh mint. The bright and fresh flavors balance the savory warming spices in a truly magical way. 

More Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes

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4.94 from 29 votes

Moroccan Meatballs

Suzy Karadsheh
Moroccan Meatballs served in Pita Pockets with Fresh Vegetables and Carrot Salad. A side of Olives
This beef meatball recipe hails from Morocco. Moroccan meatballs, traditionally called kefta, are made with lean ground beef and boldly seasoned with Ras el Hanout and served with a bright carrot salad.
Prep – 15 minutes
Cook – 15 minutes
Total – 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Moroccan
Serves – 4
Course:
Meat and Poultry

Ingredients
  

For Morrocan Kefta Meatballs

  • 1 slice white bread, toasted
  • Water or milk, for soaking
  • 1 1/4 lb lean ground beef or lamb, or a mixture of both
  • 1 small red onion, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Small handful fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped
  • 3 tsp Ras El Hanout
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne, more if you enjoy spicy
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil

For the Carrot Salad

  • 4 carrots, peeled
  • 3 tbsp orange juice (about 1/2 orange)
  • Handful fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil

For Serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Season the meat: Into a large mixing bowl add the bread and water or milk. Let it soak until softened, just about a minute or so, then squeeze the liquid out of the bread, discard the liquid and return the bread to the bowl. Add the meat, grated onion, garlic, cilantro, Ras El Hanout, ground ginger, and cayenne. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Using clean hands, mix until the meat mixture is well combined.
  • Make and chill the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. Arrange on a tray and cover. If you have the time, refrigerate for 30 minutes. (This prevents the meatballs from falling apart when they’re cooked.)
  • Make a shaved carrot salad: While the meatballs are chilling, use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into ribbons (or you can slice them into very thin sticks.) Place in a medium mixing bowl along with the orange juice, mint leaves, and a good glug of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set in the fridge for now. Get any other sides for serving ready to go, like Pita Bread, rice, Tzatziki sauce, Tahini sauce or Greek yogurt.
  • Cook the meatballs: Heat a large cast iron or frying skillet over medium heat. Drizzle the meatballs with extra virgin olive oil. When the pan is hot, cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they’re cooked through and charred, about 7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Serve: Arrange the meatballs on a large platter. Spread the carrot salad along the side of the platter, along with any other fixings of your choice. Roll up your sleeves, dig in, and let your family, guests, friends, and neighbors serve themselves!

Video

Notes

  • To help the meatballs hold their shape: Knead the meat mixture with your hands for a few minutes. Your body heat makes the meat tackier. If you have time, refrigerate the uncooked meatballs for about 30 minutes to allow the proteins to set and bond.
  • If you’re struggling with sticking: Coat your pan in a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil and make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs. Allow them to cook, undisturbed, until they release from the pan and form a beautiful brown crust.
  • This recipe will yield between 25 to 35 meatballs, depending on size. Served in pita pockets or with rice as dinner, it will serve 4 to 5 people. If you’re serving as an appetizer along with other items, it will serve up to 10 people.
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 260.7kcalCarbohydrates: 14.7gProtein: 32.2gFat: 7.6gSaturated Fat: 3.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.1gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 87.9mgSodium: 167.5mgPotassium: 791.9mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 5.6gVitamin A: 10346.5IUVitamin C: 12.7mgCalcium: 81.1mgIron: 4.5mg
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*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers’ benefit.

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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.94 from 29 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Comments

  1. Ruth says:

    Hi. I can’t wait to make these! Do you think it would be okay if I make them one day ahead, form them into meatballs, and refrigerate them?
    Thanks in advance.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Sure, Ruth! I think that’d be fine. Enjoy!

  2. Diana says:

    5 stars
    We had these tonight with homemade pita and your tzatziki. Our fave kind of dinner. Very tasty meatballs. Thank you.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks, Diana!

  3. George Donner says:

    My wife is gluten free, so I used a few tablespoons of cooked rice instead of the bread. It works just fine.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks for the tip, George!

  4. George Donner says:

    Suzy,
    These are great little meatballs. We like mild spice so only used 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne instead of 1/2. So tasty!! I always want just one more!

    Thank you for another terrific recipe.
    George

  5. Keri Lenoir says:

    What kind of flatbread is pictured and would you please share the recipe. Very hard to find pita bread in the stores.

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Keri. Here’s the recipe: Pita Bread. It’s very easy to make at home. Enjoy!

  6. Barbara says:

    Can these be made ahead and frozen.If so,would you cook them and freeze or leave uncooked?

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Barbara! These can be made ahead. My preference is to cook them first, for better texture, but freezing them raw will work as well. Either way, to freeze, place the meatballs on a sheet pan lined with parchment and place in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. Once completely frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer safe bag/container.

  7. Shannon says:

    5 stars
    This was a total hit at my house! I used ground venison for these meatballs, and they were fantastic! I also love how simple these are to make. Thank you for another wonderful recipe.

    1. Suzy says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Shannon!

  8. Marie says:

    If I wanted to use ground chicken, turkey or lamb would I use the same seasonings and just adjust salt and pepper?

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Marie! You would just use the same seasonings as listed.

  9. Alexa Petrova says:

    5 stars
    This has become one of my go-to recipes. The smell brings me back to the summertime, when I first discovered it, and all of the nice memories that come along with that. It’s like aroma therapy, honestly. Thank you for sharing. I love your blog very much 🙂

    Much love from Canada!

    1. Suzy says:

      Thank you for sharing, Alexa. It’s wonderful to hear that not only that you love the recipe, but it brings back good memories for you. I feel the same about certain dishes . True aroma therapy!!!

  10. Murray Kirch says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs were outstanding. We made enough so there were some leftovers. However, they did not last long. The next morning I reheated them in a skillet in a spicy tomato sauce, poached some eggs on top and produced a simple shakshuka breakfast. I usually like merguez in my shakshuka, but with these delicious meatballs, I didn’t miss the merguez at all.

    1. Suzy says:

      Oooo! Great way to use up those leftover meatballs!

  11. Nancy Biggs says:

    5 stars
    Suzy, I have said before how much I love meatballs. I have made all of your recipes for them. I’m a widow and find that 3 or 4 meatballs is just right for me. I make a full recipe and freeze the meatballs. Can’t decide which recipe is my favorite, but this one was exceptional.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thank you, Nancy!

  12. AG says:

    5 stars
    The meatballs were awesome. Big hit with both kids and adults at a party. Love this site… haven’t had one bad recipes yet.

    1. Suzy says:

      Oh this makes my day! Thank you for sharing.

  13. Gregory says:

    5 stars
    Made these for dinner this evening. Wow! They are amazing. Served in pita with homemade tzatziki, red onion, and tomatoes. So Good!

    1. Suzy says:

      YUM! Thanks, Gregory!

  14. Mikaela says:

    5 stars
    These taste amazing, I was just wondering about the nutritional facts, is it really 41 calories in one small meatball? Amazing recipe though 🙂 xx

    1. Suzy says:

      Hey Mikaela, there is somewhere around 33 calories per meatball. They’re not super tiny though 🙂

  15. Mona Kehrig says:

    Hi . This looks an sounds amazing!? I have a question…Can turkey meat be used instead of ground beef?

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Thank you, Mona! If you’d rather use ground turkey or ground chicken, it will work! You may add a drizzle of olive oil just to give the meat a little fat to hold things together 🙂

  16. Debbie says:

    5 stars
    I am so happy to have found your blog! I have made 3 of your recipes so far and all have been delicious; I can’t wait to make more. The information you share is always helpful and informative, please continue sharing 🙂

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Debbie, thank you so much! I am so so glad you found the blog too! Thank you for sharing!