Juicy lamb meatballs simmered in a rich, spiced sauce
Lamb Meatballs with Harissa and Chickpeas are the kind of cosy, flavour-packed dinner that feels comforting without being heavy. Juicy lamb meatballs are gently simmered in a rich tomato and harissa sauce with tender chickpeas, warming spices and plenty of fresh coriander. It’s a simple, one-pan style meal that delivers big flavour with very little effort, perfect for weeknights or relaxed entertaining.
This is one of those dinners that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a midweek meal. As the meatballs simmer, they soak up the rich, spiced tomato and harissa sauce, becoming incredibly tender and full of flavour. The chickpeas add heartiness and texture, while the harissa brings a gentle heat that’s bold but balanced — comforting, vibrant and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, warming flavour – Lamb, spices and harissa create a rich, comforting sauce.
- Easy enough for weeknights – Simple steps and ready in about 40 minutes.
- One-pan style cooking – Minimal mess with maximum flavour payoff.
- Hearty and satisfying – Chickpeas make the dish filling without feeling heavy.
- Great for leftovers – The flavours deepen and taste even better the next day.
The flavours (and why they work)
Lamb is naturally rich and full-bodied, which makes it the dream partner for warming spices like cumin, coriander and smoked paprika. Add fresh coriander for brightness and a tomato–harissa base for depth and heat, and you’ve suddenly built a dish that tastes like it came straight from a Moroccan kitchen.
The sauce is thick, glossy and slightly fiery (adjustable!), and the chickpeas make it hearty and satisfying without being heavy.
How to make lamb meatballs with harissa & chickpeas
This dish looks impressive but is ridiculously simple:
- Mix: Combine lamb mince with fresh coriander, garlic and spices. Roll into small meatballs.
- Brown: Pan-fry the meatballs until golden, then set aside.
- Build the Sauce: Cook onions, garlic, harissa and spices. Add chickpeas, passata and water.
- Simmer: Return meatballs to the sauce and let everything bubble away until rich, tender and fragrant.
- Serve: Scoop over couscous or rice, add yogurt and lemon, and scatter with coriander.
That’s it. Barely any chopping, maximum flavour payoff.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the meat: Use beef or a lamb–beef mix if you prefer a milder flavour.
- Adjust the heat: Use more or less harissa depending on how spicy you like it.
- No chickpeas: Leave them out or swap for butter beans or lentils.
- Herb swap: Replace coriander with flat-leaf parsley if coriander isn’t your thing.
- Different serving style: Shape the mixture into larger kofta-style meatballs and serve with flatbread
Tips for Making and Serving
- Roll evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate.
- Brown well before simmering to build flavour and help them hold their shape.
- Start light with harissa and add more to suit your heat tolerance.
- Simmer gently so the meatballs stay tender, not tough.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lemon to balance the richness of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These lamb meatballs are perfect spooned over hot, buttery couscous or served with steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce. They’re also great with warm flatbreads or pita for scooping, finished with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a squeeze of lemon. For something lighter, serve alongside a simple green salad or some quick-pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavours deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.
Freeze:
This dish freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these lamb meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. The meatballs can be made and cooked ahead, then reheated gently before serving.
Can I freeze lamb meatballs with harissa and chickpeas?
Absolutely. This dish freezes very well and is ideal for meal prep.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s warmly spiced rather than hot. The heat level depends on the harissa you use, so adjust to taste.
Can I use beef instead of lamb?
Yes. Beef mince works well, though lamb gives a richer, more traditional flavour.
What can I use instead of harissa?
What can I use instead of harissa?
These lamb meatballs with harissa and chickpeas are one of those comforting, flavour-packed meals that never disappoint. Rich, warming and surprisingly easy to make, they’re perfect for both weeknight dinners and relaxed entertaining. If you give this recipe a go, leave a comment below and let me know how you served it — or what you paired it with.
More Recipes You May Enjoy
- Middle Eastern Lamb & Pasta Bake
- One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice
- Easy Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Dates & Honey
- Middle Eastern Lamb Koftas
- Hummus
- Moroccan Chicken Tagine
- 4-Ingredient Flatbreads
- Homemade Pita Bread
Lamb Meatballs with Harissa & Chickpeas
Equipment
- Large wide pan or cast iron pot
Ingredients
- 500g lamb mince
- ¼ cup finely chopped coriander leaves and stems (or use parsley)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped (divided)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin (divided)
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander (divided)
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, finely diced
- 1-2 tablespoons harissa (see notes)
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 700g jar tomato passata
- 1 teaspoon caster sugar (optional – See Notes)
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Hot buttered couscous
- Natural Greek style yoghurt
- Lemon wedges
- Extra coriander, to garnish
Instructions
- Place the lamb mince, fresh coriander, half the garlic, 2 teaspoons ground cumin and 1 teaspoon each ground coriander and smoked paprika into a bowl and mix thoroughly to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Roll into small walnut size balls.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Cook the meatballs for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. Drain off excess fat in pan, leaving at least 1 tablespoon.
- Add the onion to pan and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Then add the remaining garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Add the harissa, cinnamon stick and remaining spices, cook stirring for 2 minutes. Add chickpeas, passata and 1 cup water. Season to taste with salt, pepper and caster sugar, if using.
- Return meatballs to sauce, bring to the boil, then reduce heat to very low and simmer for 20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly. Serve with buttered couscous and garnish with extra coriander, a dollop of yoghurt and some lemon wedges.
Notes
- COOKS NOTES:
Oven Temps: Oven temperatures are for conventional, if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C.
Measurements: We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml & 1 cup = 250 ml.
Herbs: All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed.
Vegetables: All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified.
Eggs: We use extra-large size and eggs are 55-60 g each, unless specified. - Harissa: Harissa varies in heat and flavour, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to suit your taste.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomato passata, especially if using a more acidic brand.
- Meat options: Lamb gives the best flavour, but beef or a lamb–beef mix can be used if preferred.
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