Moroccan Spiral Meatball Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Moroccan Spiral Meatball Zucchini Bake combines tender ground meat rolled into flavorful spiral shapes, nestled alongside fresh zucchini slices and baked in a richly spiced Moroccan tomato sauce. This hearty yet healthy casserole brings aromatic spices and vibrant vegetables together for a comforting and visually stunning meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend (cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, Moroccan spice blend, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly incorporated.
- Form spiral meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll into spiral shapes by wrapping the meat around your finger or a skewer to create the distinctive swirl form.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in tomato sauce, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble the bake: In a baking dish, arrange zucchini slices evenly. Place the spiral meatballs on top of the zucchini. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meatballs and zucchini, ensuring they are well covered.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and zucchini is tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the meat mixture for extra freshness.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your Moroccan spice blend is free of any additives containing gluten.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or sauce.
Keywords: Moroccan meatball bake, zucchini bake, spiral meatballs, Moroccan spices, baked meatballs, healthy casserole
