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Lamb meatballs with couscous tomatoes and yogurt sauce

High Protein

Harissa Lamb Meatballs with Herbed Couscous

Spiced lamb meatballs, lemony couscous, tomato-cucumber salad, and cool feta yogurt.

Developed for DishGal · Updated 2026-08-18

Prep20 min
Cook18 min
Total38 min
Cost$5.05

Directions

  1. Mix the meatballs

    Combine lamb, beef, harissa, garlic, cumin, coriander, and salt. Form 16 small meatballs.

  2. Roast

    Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes until browned and 160°F.

  3. Make couscous

    Bring broth to a boil, stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with lemon zest and half the herbs.

  4. Mix the yogurt

    Stir yogurt, feta, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

  5. Plate

    Serve meatballs over couscous with cucumber, tomato, onion, feta yogurt, and remaining herbs.

Why this works

Why it worksSmall meatballs brown quickly without drying out.
Why it worksHarissa seasons the meat from the inside instead of acting only as a topping.
Why it worksCool yogurt balances lamb richness and chile heat.

Swaps & notes

Easy swaps

  • Use all beef or ground turkey.
  • Swap couscous for rice or quinoa.
  • Use a mild roasted-red-pepper paste instead of harissa for kids.

Cook notes

  • Do not overwork the meat mixture.
  • Wet your hands lightly before shaping to prevent sticking.

Storage

Refrigerate meatballs and couscous up to 4 days. Keep salad and yogurt separate.

Questions

Is harissa very hot?

It varies by brand. Start with 1 tablespoon if yours is aggressive.

Can I grill the meatballs?

Yes. Thread onto skewers or use a grill basket.

Can I freeze them?

Freeze cooked meatballs up to 3 months.

Harissa Lamb Meatballs with Herbed Couscous
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1. Mix the meatballsCombine lamb, beef, harissa, garlic, cumin, coriander, and salt. Form 16 small meatballs.
2. RoastBake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes until browned and 160°F.
3. Make couscousBring broth to a boil, stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with lemon zest and half the herbs.
4. Mix the yogurtStir yogurt, feta, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
5. PlateServe meatballs over couscous with cucumber, tomato, onion, feta yogurt, and remaining herbs.