Introduction:
Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) is a beloved traditional dish found in many Moroccan homes. It combines seasoned ground meat (usually beef or lamb) shaped into small meatballs, simmered in a rich and spiced tomato sauce, and finished with eggs gently poached on top. This dish is typically prepared in a tagine, the iconic Moroccan clay pot that helps concentrate flavors and maintain tenderness.
Served piping hot with crusty Moroccan bread (khobz), this dish is both hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for family meals or to impress guests with the depth of Moroccan cuisine. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and slow cooking brings out an aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth and tradition.
Ingrédients of Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine:
For the meatballs:
400g (about 14 oz) ground beef or lamb
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ small onion, grated
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and parsley
Salt to taste
For the sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 ripe tomatoes, grated (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sugar (to balance tomato acidity)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp tomato paste (optional)
Salt to taste
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
4 eggs
Chopped cilantro and parsley for garnish
Instructions of Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine:
- Prepare the meatballs:
In a bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined.
Shape into small balls (about the size of a walnut) and set aside.
- Make the tomato sauce:
In a tagine or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and grated tomatoes, then stir in the spices, sugar, and tomato paste.
Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich.
- Add the meatballs:
Gently add the meatballs to the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Add the eggs:
Crack the eggs directly over the sauce and meatballs.
Cover and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny, or to your preference.
- Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley.
Serve hot, directly from the tagine, with crusty Moroccan bread.
💬 Conclusion
The Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) is a true reflection of Morocco’s culinary heart — rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Each bite combines tender, spiced meatballs with a vibrant tomato sauce and perfectly poached eggs, creating a dish that feels both rustic and luxurious.
Whether shared at a family gathering or served on a cozy evening, this tagine delivers authentic Moroccan warmth to your table. Pair it with crusty Moroccan bread (khobz) and let the rich sauce soak in for a meal you’ll never forget.
Discovr a the Moroccan Vegetarien tagine here .
🍳 FAQs – Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara)
1. What is Kefta Mkaouara?
Kefta Mkaouara, also known as Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine, is a classic dish made of spiced meatballs simmered in a tomato sauce and topped with eggs. It’s a traditional Moroccan comfort food loved for its rich flavor and simplicity.
2. Which type of meat works best?
You can use ground beef, lamb, or a mix of both. Lamb gives a richer flavor, while beef keeps the dish a bit lighter. Either way, the key is to season it well with Moroccan spices.
3. Do I need a tagine to make this recipe?
Not necessarily. While a traditional clay tagine enhances the flavor, you can cook it in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. The results will still be delicious.
4. What spices are essential for authentic flavor?
Typical Moroccan spices include cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and a touch of chili or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add brightness to the dish.
Discovr a the Moroccan Vegetarien tagine here .
Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine
Description
Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine, also known as Kefta Mkaouara, is a traditional dish made with spiced ground beef or lamb meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, then topped with eggs poached directly in the tagine. Bursting with Moroccan flavors like cumin, paprika, garlic, and fresh herbs, it's a comforting and flavorful dish often served with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
For the sauce
Instructions:
step 1
1. Prepare the meatballs:
In a bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined.
Shape into small balls (about the size of a walnut) and set
Step 2
2. Make the tomato sauce:
In a tagine or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and grated tomatoes, then stir in the spices, sugar, and tomato paste.
Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich.
Step 3
3. Add the meatballs:
Gently add the meatballs to the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 4
4. Add the eggs:
Crack the eggs directly over the sauce and meatballs.
Cover and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny, or to your preference.
Step 5
5. Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley.
Serve hot, directly from the tagine, with crusty Moroccan bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 334.46kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.91g27%
- Saturated Fat 4.45g23%
- Trans Fat 0.26g
- Cholesterol 222.96mg75%
- Sodium 799.85mg34%
- Potassium 968.63mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 18.7g7%
- Dietary Fiber 4.62g19%
- Sugars 9.11g
- Protein 29.97g60%
- Vitamin A 196.39 IU
- Vitamin C 24.15 mg
- Calcium 113.57 mg
- Iron 5.8 mg
- Vitamin D 0.96 IU
- Vitamin E 3.2 IU
- Vitamin K 41 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.45 mg
- Niacin 6.19 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.91 mg
- Folate 55.69 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2.65 mcg
- Phosphorus 376.46 mg
- Magnesium 64.39 mg
- Zinc 6.57 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.


























User Reviews
i love it