Moroccan Spiced Meatball Skewers

Highlighted under: Wanderlust Dinner Recipes

Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with these delicious spiced meatball skewers, perfect for grilling or baking.

Marco

Created by

Marco

Last updated on 2026-01-03T23:22:29.056Z

These Moroccan Spiced Meatball Skewers are a delightful fusion of spices and flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Marrakech. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor meal, they are sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic spices that create a warm and inviting flavor
  • Juicy meatballs that are perfect for grilling or baking
  • Versatile dish that pairs well with couscous or a fresh salad

A Taste of Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, and these spiced meatball skewers are a perfect representation of that culinary tradition. The careful blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, adds depth and warmth to the meat, transforming simple ingredients into a tantalizing dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, these skewers will impress your guests and ignite their taste buds.

The vibrant colors and aromatic scents of Moroccan cooking create an inviting atmosphere. By using fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro in this recipe, you'll not only enhance the flavor but also add a burst of color to your plate. Pair these skewers with a refreshing salad or fragrant couscous for a complete and satisfying meal that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of Morocco.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Moroccan spiced meatball skewers are incredibly versatile. They can be grilled for a smoky flavor or baked for an easy weeknight dinner. No matter how you choose to cook them, they are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. They are perfect for summer barbecues, cozy family dinners, or even as an appetizer for your next party.

Serving these skewers is a breeze. Simply arrange them on a platter with lemon wedges and a bowl of the yogurt sauce for dipping. This makes for an eye-catching presentation that encourages sharing and enjoyment. Plus, the yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spiced meatballs, making every bite delightful.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground lamb
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp harissa paste
  • Salt to taste

For Serving

  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lemon wedges

Combine all the ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Form Skewers

Take small portions of the meat mixture and shape them into meatballs. Thread the meatballs onto the wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each ball.

Cook the Skewers

Preheat your grill or oven. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice char.

Prepare the Sauce

While the skewers are cooking, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, harissa paste, and salt in a small bowl to create the sauce.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve hot with the yogurt sauce, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

Enjoy your flavorful Moroccan Spiced Meatball Skewers!

Tips for the Best Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs are juicy and flavorful, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they are evenly blended. This helps maintain tenderness while cooking. Additionally, using a mix of ground beef and lamb not only enhances the flavor but also provides a wonderful texture that makes these meatballs truly unforgettable.

When forming the meatballs, aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. If you're grilling, make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. This simple step can make a big difference in your grilling experience.

Serving Suggestions

These spiced meatball skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with fluffy couscous or a vibrant tabbouleh salad. The lightness of these sides complements the richness of the meatballs, creating a balanced meal. You can also serve them with pita bread and assorted dips to create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired spread.

For a complete Moroccan experience, consider preparing a spiced carrot and orange salad or a chickpea salad with fresh herbs. These dishes will not only enhance the flavors of the meatballs but also add refreshing elements to your table. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor and color!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is simple; just place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quick option. The flavors may even deepen after a day in the fridge, making them just as delicious the next day.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked meatballs. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes for a quick and easy meal solution when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a taste of Morocco.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef and lamb?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Just adjust the spices to your taste.

→ How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.

→ Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

→ What can I serve with the meatball skewers?

These skewers pair well with couscous, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Moroccan Spiced Meatball Skewers

Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with these delicious spiced meatball skewers, perfect for grilling or baking.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Marco

Recipe Type: Wanderlust Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 lb ground lamb
  3. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  4. 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  5. 1 small onion, grated
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tsp ground cumin
  8. 1 tsp ground coriander
  9. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  10. 1/2 tsp paprika
  11. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  2. 1 tbsp lemon juice
  3. 1 tsp harissa paste
  4. Salt to taste

For Serving

  1. Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
  2. Fresh cilantro for garnish
  3. Lemon wedges

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 02

Take small portions of the meat mixture and shape them into meatballs. Thread the meatballs onto the wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each ball.

Step 03

Preheat your grill or oven. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice char.

Step 04

While the skewers are cooking, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, harissa paste, and salt in a small bowl to create the sauce.

Step 05

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve hot with the yogurt sauce, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 18g