North African Meatball Stew Recipe with Tomatoes and Mint

Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Ellen Christian

If you’re looking for an easy ground beef dinner with plenty of flavor, this North African meatball stew is a delicious option. Tender beef meatballs simmer in a tomato sauce seasoned with cumin, garlic, cilantro, and fresh herbs.

This simple skillet dinner uses everyday ingredients and is delicious served over fluffy couscous. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve when you have company.

What Is North African Meatball Stew?

North African meatball stew is inspired by the flavors commonly used in North African cooking, including cumin, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and mint.

The meatballs cook directly in the tomato sauce, allowing them to absorb the seasonings while the sauce thickens. A little lemon juice added at the end brightens the flavors.

This recipe is inspired by those flavors rather than presented as a traditional dish from any particular country.

If you enjoy easy ground beef dinners, try my Johnny Marzetti recipe, another comforting family meal made with ground beef and tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and pantry seasonings.
• One-skillet cooking: The meatballs and sauce cook together.
• Easy to serve: Delicious over couscous, rice, or another grain.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors have time to develop as the stew rests.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ¾ cup water
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

For serving:

• Prepared couscous, optional

How to Make North African Meatball Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine the ground beef, cilantro, 1 teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.

Mix gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.

Shape the mixture into approximately 24 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

I recommend using a large, deep skillet with a lid for this recipe so the meatballs have plenty of room to simmer in the tomato sauce without overcrowding.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, water, tomato paste, remaining cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs

Carefully add the uncooked meatballs to the tomato sauce in a single layer, if possible.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Ground beef meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

To make sure the meatballs are fully cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the centers reach 160°F before serving.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir the lemon juice into the sauce and sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the stew.

Serve warm over prepared couscous, spooning the tomato sauce over the meatballs.

Tips for Making Tender Meatballs

Don’t overmix the beef. Mix only until the seasonings are distributed throughout the meat.

Keep the meatballs small. One-inch meatballs cook relatively quickly and are easy to serve with couscous.

Maintain a gentle simmer. A vigorous boil may cause the meatballs to break apart or toughen.

Use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh cilantro and mint contribute to the distinctive flavor of this dish.

For another easy dinner with minimal cleanup, try my skillet herb roasted chicken. It’s a comforting meal that pairs well with rice or vegetables.

What to Serve with North African Meatballs

Couscous is an easy choice because it cooks quickly and absorbs the tomato sauce.

You can also serve this stew with rice, bulgur, or warm flatbread.

For a vegetable side dish, consider roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or a simple cucumber salad.

If you’re looking for more ways to stretch your grocery budget, my cheap fried rice recipe is another easy dinner that makes good use of leftovers.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef: Lean ground turkey can be substituted, although the flavor and texture will be different. Ground turkey should reach 165°F.

Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes work well in this recipe. Fresh chopped tomatoes can also be used, although the sauce may need adjustment.

Cilantro: If you dislike cilantro, try fresh parsley for a different but pleasant flavor.

Fresh mint: Mint gives the finished stew a fresh flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, although the result will taste different.

How to Store Leftover Meatball Stew

Allow the stew to cool slightly, then transfer leftovers to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days or freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F. Add a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

For convenient meal preparation, store the couscous separately from the meatballs and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make North African meatball stew ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, refrigerate promptly, and reheat thoroughly before serving. Prepare fresh couscous when you’re ready to eat.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?

No. In this recipe, the meatballs simmer directly in the tomato sauce. This makes preparation easier and allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Is North African meatball stew spicy?

This particular recipe is aromatic rather than hot. Cumin, garlic, and herbs provide flavor without adding much heat.

Can I freeze the meatball stew?

Yes. Freeze the cooked meatballs and tomato sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Weight Watchers PointsPlus Information

The original recipe was calculated as 8 Weight Watchers PointsPlus for a serving of 6 meatballs with approximately ⅔ cup sauce and ⅔ cup prepared couscous.

PointsPlus is an older Weight Watchers program, and this historical value should not be confused with current WW Points. Recalculate using your current WW app if you’re following the program today.

A Flavorful Ground Beef Dinner

This North African-inspired meatball stew is a practical way to turn a pound of ground beef into a flavorful family meal. With its rich tomato sauce, warm cumin seasoning, and fresh mint, it’s a nice change from traditional Italian-style meatballs.

Serve it over couscous for an easy dinner that makes good leftovers.

Need more ideas for busy evenings? Check out my weeknight dinners that work for simple meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen.