Moroccan · intermediate
Moroccan Cinnamon Braised Beef Kefta Skillet
Tender spiced halal beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato, cinnamon, and cumin sauce.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 25 min
- SERVES
- 4
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Combine ground beef, grated onion, half the parsley, cinnamon, and half the cumin in a mixing bowl until integrated.
- 02
Shape beef mixture gently into 12 equal round meatballs.
- 03
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- 04
Add meatballs to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes, turning until browned on all sides.
- 05
Transfer meatballs to a plate, leaving remaining rendered oils in the skillet.
- 06
Add minced garlic, remaining cumin, and paprika to the skillet; sauté for 30 seconds before pouring in crushed tomatoes.
- 07
Return meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low for 15 minutes until beef is thoroughly cooked.
- 08
Garnish with remaining chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Two-Stage Meatball Simmering
Searing meatballs first locks in internal juices, after which gentle simmering in spiced tomato broth yields maximum tenderness.
Notes from the kitchen
- Squeeze out excess liquid from grated onion to prevent meatballs from becoming soggy during shaping.
- Avoid overworking the ground meat mixture to maintain a light, tender meatball texture.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Moroccan; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.
