Name: Spicy Tunisian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb; 1 small onion, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; Salt and black pepper to taste; For the Sauce:; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp harissa paste (or to taste); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup green olives; 1/4 cup black olives; 1/2 cup water or broth; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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A bold and flavorful North African dish made with tender meatballs simmered in a spicy harissa tomato sauce with olives and aromatic spices — Spicy Tunisian Meatballs are a comforting, hearty meal perfect for scooping up with warm bread, fluffy couscous, or steamed rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs offer a delicious fusion of deep spices, rich tomato sauce, and bold harissa heat. The combination of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika gives them a warm, smoky complexity, while olives add a briny contrast. Whether you use beef or lamb, this dish brings the essence of Tunisian home cooking to your table in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

ground beef or lamb
small onion, grated
garlic cloves, minced
breadcrumbs
egg
ground cumin
ground coriander
salt and black pepper

For the Sauce:

olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
harissa paste (adjust to taste)
ground cinnamon
smoked paprika
crushed tomatoes
green olives
black olives
water or broth
salt
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
Form into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds, then stir in harissa paste, cinnamon, and paprika until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Return the browned meatballs to the pan, add green and black olives, and gently stir. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is rich and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with bread, couscous, or rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 360 kcal

Variations

Add Vegetables: Include chopped bell peppers or zucchini in the sauce for a more complete stew.
Mild Version: Reduce or omit harissa for a less spicy variation.
Chicken or Turkey: Use ground poultry for a lighter meatball alternative.
Egg-Free: Omit the egg and add a tablespoon of yogurt or milk to keep the mixture moist.
Extra Tangy: Add a splash of lemon juice or preserved lemon for a traditional North African flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned, then finish simmering in the sauce.

What is harissa?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made from red peppers, garlic, spices, and oil. It adds heat and depth to dishes.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, though homemade ones will better absorb the flavors of the sauce.

What’s the best type of olives to use?

Use pitted green and black olives for ease, and try to select briny varieties for bold flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Store cooled meatballs and sauce in portions and reheat as needed.

What can I serve this with?

Serve with couscous, rice, flatbread, or even over roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, the flavors deepen when made ahead. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and scale the ingredients evenly.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on the harissa you use. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference.

Conclusion

Spicy Tunisian Meatballs are a warming, aromatic dish that brings the bold flavors of North Africa to your kitchen. With a rich tomato-harissa sauce, briny olives, and perfectly spiced meatballs, it’s a memorable meal that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Spicy Tunisian Meatballs

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A bold and flavorful North African dish made with tender meatballs simmered in a spicy harissa tomato sauce, olives, and aromatic spices — perfect with warm bread or couscous.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Tunisian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into small meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add harissa, cinnamon, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Add crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Bring to a simmer.
Return the meatballs to the sauce along with olives. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread, couscous, or rice.