Meatball Shakshuka
Meatball Shakshuka is a flavorful and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender, spiced meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with poached eggs. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this one-pan meal delivers a satisfying blend of savory spices, fresh herbs, and comforting textures that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce & Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes or harissa for heat
Eggs & Garnish
- 4–6 fresh eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Optional: drizzle of olive oil
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground meat with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into small, even meatballs for uniform cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside to keep juicy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, building the savory base for the sauce.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like chili flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently to develop deep flavors.
- Return Meatballs and Cook Through: Nestle the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add Eggs: Create small wells in the sauce and crack fresh eggs into each well. Cover and cook until the egg whites are set but yolks are still runny.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top, add optional crumbled cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread, pita, or a side of couscous or rice.
Notes
- Make sure meatballs are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Keep tomato sauce at a low simmer to prevent toughening the meatballs.
- Use the freshest eggs possible for best poaching results.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to balance acidity and spice.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes off the heat before serving to meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Meatball Shakshuka, Mediterranean, meatballs, shakshuka, poached eggs, tomato sauce, one-pan meal