Algerian Kefta (Meatballs)

These simple ground beef meatballs in a garlicky fresh Roma tomato sauce are best served with a crusty French baguette.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 424 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.25 cup finely chopped onion, divided
• 0.5 teaspoon ras el hanout

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine ground beef with 1/2 of the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon chopped onion in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until fully incorporated. Shape meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch oblong patties; you should have 12 to 14 meatballs.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown patties in batches in the hot skillet until crispy on both sides and no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Set meatballs aside in a rimmed serving dish.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium and stir remaining chopped onion into drippings in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in Roma tomatoes, dried parsley, and ras el hanout. Pour in water. Cook until tomatoes are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Pour tomato sauce over meatballs to serve.