Ready to add bold, North African-inspired flavors to your dinner? These Harissa Turkey Meatballs are a perfect fusion of savory spices, fresh herbs, and lean turkey that will leave you craving more.
Harissa is a key ingredient that brings complex flavor and heat to these turkey meatballs. Originating from Tunisia, it’s a staple in North African cuisine, often used to elevate soups, stews, meats, and even vegetables. The beauty of harissa lies in its balance—it’s not just about the heat but the smoky, earthy undertones from roasted red peppers and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. The garlic adds a punch of sharpness, while a bit of olive oil smooths everything out, creating a rich, velvety paste.Each bite offers a punch of flavor—savory spices, tangy tomatoes, and juicy turkey. Serve them over couscous or tuck them into warm pita for an easy, satisfying meal.
These meatballs aren’t just delicious; they’re also a healthier alternative to beef, as turkey is leaner and lower in fat. It’s a flavorful option without the extra calories. Spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with this dish. The bold flavor and satisfying texture of these Harissa Turkey Meatballs will quickly become a favorite.
If you’re a fan of meal prepping, these Harissa Turkey Meatballs are a fantastic option. They keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat beautifully, making them an ideal choice for easy, make-ahead lunches or dinners. You can even freeze a batch for those nights when you need something quick but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Pair them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a balanced, nutritious meal ready in no time.
Harissa Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp harissa
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup harissa
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb. ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 3 tbsp harissa, 1 egg, ¼ cup parsley, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes1 tsp paprika1 tsp chili powder. Mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are well combined.1 lb. ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 3 tbsp harissa, 1 egg, ¼ cup parsley, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the meatballs with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.1 tbsp. olive oil
- While the meatballs are baking, add the ¼ cup harissa, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and ½ cup water to a sauce pan on medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly or about 2-3 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the 1 tsp cornstarch over the mixture and stir to combine. Lower and heat and let the sauce thicken for about 3 minutes.¼ cup harissa, 2 tbsp brown sugar, ½ cup water, 1 tsp cornstarch
- Once the meatballs are out of the oven, toss in the sauce until evenly coated.
