These Easy Harissa Meatballs are juicy, packed with bold North African and Haitian spices, then simmered in a rich harissa-tomato sauce. Ready in just over an hour, they make a satisfying family dinner or meal-prep favorite.
Whether you’re serving them over fluffy couscous, with pita and creamy yogurt sauce, or alongside steamed cabbage and plantains, this dish delivers vibrant flavor that’s simple to make.
🥘 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold, complex flavor with smoky harissa paste and fresh aromatics.
Comforting and versatile: pairs beautifully with grains, veggies, or bread.
Make ahead & meal-prep friendly: freezer-friendly meatballs for busy weeks.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs. grass-fed ground beef (85/15)
- 2 tablespoon harissa paste
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Bèlans spice blend (or substitute with cumin + coriander + paprika)
For the Harissa Sauce
- 2 large fresh tomatoes (chopped)
- ⅓ cup chopped onions
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoon harissa paste
- 1½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup canola or olive oil
🍽 Suggested Sides & Pairings
Fluffy couscous or rice – balances smoky heat.
Creamy yogurt sauce with mint or dill – cools the spice.
Pita or crusty bread – perfect for dipping.
Roasted veggies – peppers, zucchini, and eggplant pair beautifully.
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Even meatballs cook more consistently — aim for uniform size.
✔ Use fresh herbs and garlic for bright flavor contrast.
✔ Freeze cooked meatballs in airtight containers up to 3 months.
❓ FAQ – Harissa Meatballs
Harissa has a smoky heat that ranges from mild to medium — adjust amount to your preference.
Substitute with chili paste plus a pinch of smoked paprika and garlic for depth.
Yes! Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for ~15–20 minutes, then simmer in sauce.
🧠 Cooking Time & Nutrition
- Prep: ~20 minutes
- Cook: ~45 minutes
- Total: ~1 hr 5 min
- Serves: 6
- Calories per serving: ~580 kcal (estimate)
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🍽 How to Make Harissa Meatballs
Harissa Meatballs Reipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Stand Mixer or Food Processor optional
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 2 lbs. Grass-fed ground beef; 85% lean / 15% fat
- 2 Tbsp. Harissa paste
- 1 Cup Plain bread crumbs
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 Tsp. Bèlans Spice Blend
For The Sauce
- 2 Large Tomatoes on the vine
- 2 Cilantro sprigs
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 Tsp. Bèlans Spice Blend
- 2 Tbsp. Harissa paste
- 1½ tsp. Salt or to taste; We used Kosher salt
- ⅓ Cup Chopped onions
- 4 Garlic cloves
- ¼ Cup Canola Oil
Instructions
Prepare the meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl or food processor, add the minced (ground) meat, the Harissa paste, cornbread, eggs, and Bèlans. Mix well to combine.Shape the meat into uniformly sized meatballs with your damp hands, then set them aside.
Prepare the sauce
- In the same skillet, cook the meatballs until golden on all sides. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside on a clean paper towel.Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Then add the Harissa paste, salt, and Bèlans. Mix well, then add the water and stir. Next, add the meatballs and coat the meatballs with the Harissa paste sauce. Add the fresh cilantro, cover, and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as steamed cabbage, white rice, or Haitian fried plantains.
Notes
Storing Option
Pairing Suggestion
The meatballs are usually served with pita bread, so they are a meal on their own. However, there are many other pairings that you can relish, such as;- Haitian Black Rice:An extraordinarily flavorful Haitian black rice (Diri Djon Djon) that will have you prepared for family dinner on Sundays.
- Couscous:A fluffy North African staple, couscous goes well with harissa’s smoky notes and offers a textural contrast to the meatballs.
- Roasted Vegetables:Think vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or onions. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and complements the spiciness of the meatballs.
- Creamy Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of tangy yogurt sauce cools down the heat and adds a refreshing dimension. Consider spiking it with fresh herbs like mint or dill for extra zing.
- Grilled Skewers: This is all about threading cherry tomatoes, red onion, and halloumi cheese onto skewers. Also, you’ve to grill them for a smoky and flavorful side dish.
- Jamaican Steamed Cabbage:This cabbage recipe will go with almost anything, and best of all it will be on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Haitian Fried Plantains:A great gluten-free side dish that pairs well with everything.
Angela says
Pretty sure I could eat a bowl of these meatballs, daily! lol Delicious recipe and so quick to whip up, thanks so much!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much Angela
Heather says
Absolutely adore this recipe, it’s so easy to prep, and the taste is outta sight! A hit at the dinner table, I’ll be making them again soon! Thanks!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Heather
TAYLER ROSS says
I made these meatballs for dinner last night and they were incredible! Definitely a new favorite!
Mirlene says
Thank you Tayler
Paula says
These harissa meatballs were so tasty! Will be making them again for my family since everyone loved them.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Paula