Moroccan Spiced Meatball Pasta (Printable Version)

Beef meatballs with warm spices, tossed in harissa yogurt sauce over linguine for a North African-inspired dinner.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 14 ounces ground beef
02 - 1 clove garlic, minced
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing

→ Pasta

09 - 10 ounces linguine or spaghetti
10 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Harissa Cream Sauce

11 - 2/3 cup Greek yogurt
12 - 1 to 2 tablespoons harissa paste, according to preference
13 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh mint or parsley
17 - Extra harissa paste, for drizzling (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, blend ground beef with minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.
02 - Shape the seasoned mixture into 20 to 24 small, even-sized meatballs using damp hands for smooth shaping.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, turning gently. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook through for about 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
05 - In a medium bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, harissa paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until silky. Stir in a little reserved warm pasta water to reach a pourable consistency if needed.
06 - Toss cooked pasta with harissa yogurt sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to plates, top with meatballs, and garnish with chopped herbs and an extra drizzle of harissa if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses affordable pantry staples easily found at most supermarkets
  • Brings new energy to familiar pasta with Moroccan flavors
  • Customizable heat level with the harissa
  • Can be made in under an hour start to finish
  • Makes leftover lunches you actually look forward to
02 -
  • Rich in protein to keep you satisfied
  • Brings North African flavor without complicated prep
  • Perfect for family style serving or entertaining
03 -
  • Toast your spices gently in the olive oil for just one minute before adding the meat for an even deeper flavor base
  • Do not skip the fresh lemon your sauce needs its brightness
  • Add a spoonful of reserved pasta water at a time to reach your idea of creaminess
  • Serve with extra harissa at the table for any spice lovers