Y’all, let me tell you—this recipe is the perfect way to shake up your dinner routine while still keeping things hearty, wholesome, and downright delicious. These Moroccan meatballs, made with our Grass-Fed Ground Beef, are packed with warm spices, tender and juicy, and served over a bed of fluffy couscous for a meal that feels a little exotic but is still simple enough for a weeknight.
Here at Permaculture Pastures, we’re all about providing the best-quality beef to families in North Texas, including Decatur, Trophy Club, and Flower Mound. Our beef is Grass-Fed, raised regeneratively, and free from any junk—just pure, nutrient-rich meat to nourish your family. And these Moroccan meatballs? They’re the perfect way to showcase just how incredible that beef is.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb Permaculture Pastures Grass-Fed Ground Beef
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Paleo? Use almond flour!)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon honey (local raw honey is best!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Couscous:
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup golden raisins (optional but recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the Grass-Fed Ground Beef, parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it!
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or baking sheet. You should get about 20 meatballs.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just browned!) Remove the meatballs and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and honey, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Couscous
While the meatballs are simmering, make the couscous. In a medium bowl, combine the couscous, olive oil, salt, and golden raisins. Pour in the boiling water, cover tightly with a lid or plate, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the meatballs over the couscous, spooning plenty of that rich, spiced sauce on top. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley or cilantro if you’d like, and dig in!
Why Moms Love It:
1. Nutritious and Delicious: With Grass-Fed Ground Beef from our local farm, you know you’re feeding your family the best—clean, healthy protein full of vitamins and minerals.
2. Family-Friendly: The warm spices in this dish are flavorful but not too spicy, making it perfect for little ones and adults alike.
3. One-Skillet Wonder: The meatballs and sauce come together in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash—amen to that!
4. Versatile: Want to swap couscous for quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice? Go for it! This recipe is easy to adapt to your family’s preferences.
Southern Tip:
If you’ve got a little leftover sauce, save it for dipping crusty bread—it’s too good to waste! And if you want to really impress your family, add a doll
op of Greek yogurt or a dollop of tahini sauce on the side—it’s the perfect cool, creamy contrast to those warm, spiced flavors.
From Our Farm to Your Table
At Permaculture Pastures, we’re proud to offer Grass-Fed Ground Beef that’s raised with care right here in North Texas. Whether you’re in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, or Decatur, we’re here to help you nourish your family with the highest-quality beef around.
These Moroccan Meatballs with Couscous are just one of the many ways to turn our beef into a meal that’s not only healthy but also downright delicious. So why not pick up some ground beef from us today and try it for yourself? Your family will be asking for seconds—and thirds!
As always, from my kitchen to yours, happy cooking and God bless!
—Addison Smith