Spiced Meatballs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Feb 09, 2025
Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—versatile, flavorful, and easy to make. This version takes inspiration from Middle Eastern and North African flavors, with warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika blended into tender, juicy beef. The addition of milk and flour helps keep the meatballs soft and delicate, while a quick oven bake ensures they stay moist and perfectly cooked. Paired with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce, these meatballs are perfect for serving over rice, stuffing into a pita, or enjoying as an appetizer with warm flatbread.
Spiced Beef Meatballs
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, preferably grass fed or ground lamb
½ onion, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
2 teaspoons cumin (freshly ground preferred)
2 teaspoons coriander (freshly ground preferred)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup milk
¼ cup flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mince the onion, garlic, and cilantro finely. If using whole spices, grind them fresh for the best flavor.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Before shaping the meatballs, take a small portion of the mixture and cook it in a pan to taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt or spices as needed.
- Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 155°F (68°C). Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
1 cup plain full fat yogurt (don't use low fat)
½ cup tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over rice or couscous, tucked into pita bread with fresh vegetables, or as an appetizer drizzled with the yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness.
Pro Tip: Letting the meatball mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling enhances the flavors and makes them easier to shape.
These spiced meatballs with creamy tahini yogurt sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen—whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests!
Hey there! Just a heads-up—this recipe includes some affiliate links. That means if you buy something through one of my links, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend products I truly love and use myself. Your support helps me keep creating delicious recipes and sharing them with you. Thanks so much!
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