Moroccan Meatballs
Let me just start by saying: I did not expect Moroccan Meatballs to be that girl. Out of all the recipes on the blog, this one somehow crawled its way to the top of organic search results like a flavorful little SEO sorcerer. Maybe it’s the bold spices. Maybe it’s the sweet-and-savory magic of cinnamon, cumin, and paprika swirling around juicy beef meatballs. Or maybe it’s just proof that the internet has taste. Either way, I’m not mad—these meatballs SLAP.
You get all the bold flavor and aromatic goodness of traditional Moroccan cuisine, but streamlined and meal prep–ified for the modern macro chaser. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and optionally paired with roasted carrots or a yogurt drizzle (highly recommend), it’s a dish that feels way fancier than the 40 minutes it takes to throw together. And yes, it’s packed with over 50g of protein per serving. Obviously.
So if you’re looking for a new global banger to shake up your routine, this is your sign. Moroccan Meatballs might not wear the crown of most aesthetic dish on the blog, but it’s earned its throne fair and square. Come for the macros, stay for the flavor, and join the thousands of Google searchers who already know: this one’s a winner.
Moroccan Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef 93% lean
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water optional, for thinning
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
For the Vegetables:
- 1 lb carrots peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to your preferred method (rice cooker or stovetop).1 cup jasmine rice
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, garlic, and all spices. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.2 lbs lean ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (approximately 28–32 meatballs). Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.1 lb carrots, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or until browned and cooked through. You will need to roast the carrots for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the meatballs & carrots bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes).1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thin with chicken broth or water if needed.14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Toss the baked meatballs into the spiced tomato sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Divide rice evenly among four meal prep containers. Top each container with meatballs and sauce.
- Add roasted carrots to the side. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
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Why You’ll Love These Moroccan Meatballs
These Moroccan Meatballs are more than just another beef recipe—they’re a bold, globally inspired meal prep powerhouse that delivers on flavor, macros, and convenience. With 59 grams of protein per serving and just enough spice to keep things interesting, this meal checks every box for gym-goers, busy professionals, and anyone tired of bland lunches.
The meatballs are loaded with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and ginger—creating a perfectly balanced bite that feels both comforting and exotic. Once roasted to juicy perfection, they’re tossed into a spiced tomato sauce that simmers with honey, garlic, and just a hint of heat.
Every bowl is completed with fluffy jasmine rice and caramelized roasted carrots, which bring a natural sweetness that contrasts the smoky depth of the meatballs. It’s a restaurant-quality flavor combo packed into a meal prep container.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner for the family, these Moroccan Meatballs bring the heat, the heartiness, and the macros.
Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
This recipe is easy to customize depending on your dietary goals, spice tolerance, or what’s left in your fridge. Here are five ways to switch things up:
Make It Leaner
Swap out ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get flavorful meatballs, just with lower fat and fewer calories.
Lower the Carbs
Swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice or a grain like quinoa or farro if you’re looking for something higher in fiber and more complex.
Add Extra Veggies
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even eggplant pair well with the existing flavors and increase your fiber without messing with the balance.
Dial Up the Heat
If you love spice, add more cayenne or stir in a spoonful of harissa paste for a smoky kick that deepens the sauce.
Add Creamy Elements
Stir a bit of Greek yogurt or tahini into the sauce or drizzle over the bowl for a creamy contrast. It elevates the texture and balances the warmth of the spices.
Expert Tips for Perfect Moroccan Meatballs
Every step of this recipe is optimized for flavor and texture, but here are a few pro tips to take things to the next level:
Don’t Overmix the Meat
Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing makes meatballs dense and rubbery—nobody wants that.
Roast the Carrots Hot
High heat (425°F or higher) gives your carrots those caramelized, slightly crispy edges that add incredible depth to each bite.
Simmer the Sauce Slowly
Let the sauce simmer low and slow to allow the spices, garlic, and honey to blend together. This is where the real flavor payoff happens.
Add Herbs at the End
Chopped parsley or cilantro added right before serving keeps the dish feeling fresh and vibrant—and gives it that IG-worthy finish.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
These Moroccan Meatballs aren’t just great for lunch—they can be dressed up or down for any meal of the day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving them fresh for dinner, here’s how to make the most of them:
Storage
Store your assembled meal prep bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze, separate the meatballs and rice for better texture.
Reheating
Microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if needed to keep it smooth.
Pair It With
- A side of hummus and pita
- Cucumber-tomato salad for freshness
- Toasted almonds or raisins for Moroccan flair
Garnish Ideas
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Drizzle of tahini or lemon yogurt sauce
FAQs
What makes these meatballs “Moroccan-style”?
It’s all about the warm spice blend—cumin, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, and ginger. Combined with a lightly sweet, savory tomato sauce, these flavors are inspired by classic Moroccan tagines and stews.
Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor, but the seasoning blend works beautifully with any ground meat.
Are these meatballs spicy?
They have a warm flavor profile with a little heat from cayenne, but they’re not aggressively spicy. If you want more kick, add extra cayenne or a spoonful of harissa paste.
Can I make this low-carb or keto?
Absolutely—just swap out the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice and skip the honey in the sauce (or use a low-carb alternative). The rest of the ingredients are naturally keto-friendly.
Do these meatballs freeze well?
Yes! Freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the rice and carrots for best results. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to maintain texture.
6 More High-Protein Beef Recipes to Try Next
If you’re craving bold flavor and big protein, beef delivers every time. These high-protein beef meal prep recipes are perfect for building muscle, fueling heavy training sessions, or just spicing up your weekly macro game with something heartier than chicken.
From sweet and savory meatballs to sizzling steak bowls and high-protein comfort food classics, these beef recipes bring the heat. Every dish is built for macro tracking, reheats like a champ, and makes sticking to your goals feel less like a chore and more like a cheat day. Whether you’re on a clean bulk, cutting phase, or just trying to avoid another bland chicken lunch, this beef lineup hits hard. If you’ve been searching for “macro-friendly beef recipes,” “beef meal prep for bulking,” or “easy high-protein steak bowls,” welcome home.
My most popular High-Protein Meal prep Recipes (they slap)
- Mongolian Meatballs – A high-protein meal prep classic: sweet, savory, macro-packed beef meatballs that always deliver.
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And as always, if you made it all the way down here and still haven’t found your perfect macro-packed meal, you can explore my full recipe catalogue—over 60+ free high-protein meal prep recipes—linked right here.
The blueprint to high-protein meal prep
Want to see how I structure high-protein meal prep recipes like this to hit real fitness goals—whether you’re cutting, bulking, or just trying to stay lean? Check out my full meal prep strategy here to learn how I use macro-friendly meals to stay consistent all week long.