Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

bursting with Moroccan flavors

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 8m
Cook Time: 42m
Total Time: 50m
Temp.: 375 ºF
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (18 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For mini Moroccan meatballs:

For couscous soup:

For garnish:

Nutritional Information

377
calories
23g
fat
15g
carbohydrates
27g
protein
2g
fiber
1245mg
sodium
Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

Recipe Description

Looking for a cozy dish to bring vibrant flavors to your table? Look no further than this Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous. Infused with warm spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, curry, chili, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, this comforting soup features tender mini meatballs—made with ground lamb (or beef)—and chewy pearl couscous that adds heartiness to every spoonful.  

The rich broth, brightened with fresh herbs (use fresh mint for more authentic flavor), makes this dish a delightful experience. Paired with homemade crusty bread for soaking up all that savory goodness, this Moroccan meatball soup is perfect for any occasion, whether hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in. 

To make the Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

Recipe Features

No specific features for this recipe

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet

    5 min
    Step 1 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Set a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

  2. 2

    Make meatballs: Combine spices

    1 min
    Step 2 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    In a medium bowl, combine 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper and mix to combine.

  3. 3

    Add tomato paste and ground meat

    2 min
    Step 3 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Add in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 ½ pounds ground meat and mix until just combined.

  4. 4

    Shape meatballs

    5 min
    Step 4 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the meatball mixture, roll it into a small ball, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining meatball mixture.

  5. 5

    Bake meatballs

    10 min
    Step 5 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

  6. 6

    Toast couscous

    2 min
    Step 6 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Meanwhile, heat a small drizzle of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces pearl couscous and allow it to toast, stirring, about 1-2 minutes. It should smell toasty.

  7. 7

    Add water and salt

    10 min
    Step 7 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Pour in 1 ¾ cups of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, let the couscous cook, covered, for 8-10 minutes or until it absorbs all the water.

  8. 8

    Make soup: Cook shallots

    2 min
    Step 8 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    In a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 3 minced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

  9. 9

    Add garlic

    1 min
    Step 9 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Add 8 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another 30 seconds.

  10. 10

    Add broth and water

    1 min
    Step 10 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water and bring to a boil.

  11. 11

    Add meatballs and couscous

    10 min
    Step 11 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Reduce the heat to low, and add in the meatballs and couscous. Simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust with seasonings if needed.

  12. 12

    Serve

    Step 12 - Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

    Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh mint or parsley.

Travel through cooking with this easy Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous. Featuring warming spices, savory lamb meatballs, and chewy couscous, this soup is a flavor-packed delight. Made it? Tag @cookmerecipes using the hashtag #cookmerecipes and share on Instagram!

About the author

Bethany Lim

Bethany is very passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and clean diet. She’s trying to cut meat out of her diet as much as possible and focuses on cooking vegetarian food and fish. Bethany gets a kick from finding ways to add new twists to classic dishes. What’s more, thanks to her Asian roots, she’s great at combining different cuisines to come up with something extraordinary. Bethany’s recipes will inspire you to add new colors and flavors to your everyday meals.

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews)
Zach
April 23, 2025
Verified

Superb

Hank
April 22, 2025
Verified

Man, this Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup was lit! Made it for the fam and they went nuts over it. Super easy prep, perfect for chill nights. A total winner! 🍲

Tim
April 7, 2025
Verified

Flavors burst beautifully!

Sophia Johnson
March 29, 2025
Verified

Delicious!

Fiona
March 21, 2025
Verified

I loved making this Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup. The spices filled my kitchen with warmth, reminding me of family dinners back home. The couscous was a great touch, adding a chewy bite. It was easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in. Will definitely make this again.

Tommy
March 15, 2025
Verified

Simply great soup! My wife and I make this every month; it reminds us of our trip to Morocco. The spices bring warmth, and I love the couscous!

Patricia Johnson
March 9, 2025
Verified

This soup warmed my family on a chilly night. Loved the spices!

Diane Smith
February 17, 2025
Verified

I made this soup for a family game night, and it was a hit! The spices took me back to my childhood trips. Everyone loved the meatballs and cozy couscous. Best of all, it was simple to whip up. Thank you!

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