Go Back
+ servings
Lebanese Kefta Meatballs in Tomato Pomegranate Sauce

Savor Homemade Lebanese Kefta Meatballs in Tomato Pomegranate Sauce

This recipe for Lebanese Kefta Meatballs in Tomato Pomegranate Sauce features a blend of fragrant herbs and tender ground beef, all infused with a tangy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika substitute with sweet or smoked paprika if needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • to taste salt & black pepper adjust as desired
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar mixed with honey
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, and mint. Add allspice, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently for about 2–3 minutes until well integrated.
  2. Using damp hands, shape portions of the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 18 to 20 meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  7. Return meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
  8. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or as part of a mezze platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs can be served with a variety of sides such as rice, flatbread, or in a mezze platter. Ensure to adjust seasoning to your taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!