
A vibrant, one-pan meal featuring juicy Italian-style meatballs simmered in a rich, berbere-infused tomato sauce. A perfect blend of Mediterranean comfort and East African heat.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Roll into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
Wet your hands slightly to keep the meat from sticking while rolling.
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. They don't need to be cooked through yet! Remove meatballs and set aside.
Don't crowd the pan; do this in batches if needed for a better crust.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent and soft. Add the remaining garlic and the berbere spice blend, stirring for one minute until fragrant.
If the spices look dry, add a splash of water or more oil to prevent burning.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to deglaze the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the heat. Serve warm.
This is a beautiful fusion of my Italian roots and the fragrant spices of my neighbors. If you don't have fresh injera, warm whole wheat pita or even a crusty sourdough works beautifully to soak up the juices. The key is to let the onions soften completely before adding the spices!
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.
Marissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chefMarissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chef