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Beef and Lamb Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Sauce

These tender beef and lamb meatballs are gently simmered in a richly spiced tomato sauce made with garlic, cumin, and paprika. Designed for weeknight cooking, this one-pan recipe delivers deep flavor using simple pantry ingredients while keeping the texture moist and juicy. Perfect with rice or bread, it is a comforting, protein-rich meal that works equally well for family dinners or make-ahead planning.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 450 g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape into small meatballs and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Make the Tomato Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic briefly, then add crushed tomatoes, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the Meatballs
  1. Add meatballs to the sauce, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes until cooked through.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of water while simmering.