Description
This Moroccan Spiral Meatball Zucchini Bake brings together juicy lamb meatballs, zucchini rounds, and roasted red peppers in a rich garlic tomato sauce. A healthy dinner recipe that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ onion, grated
500g / 1 lb lamb mince or beef
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
Moroccan Spice Mix:
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¾ tsp salt
Vegetables:
2 zucchinis, cut into 20 thick rounds
1 large red capsicum, cut into chunks
½ tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt & pepper
Garlic Tomato Sauce:
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup warm water
⅛ tsp salt & pepper
Serving:
Yogurt drizzle
Flatbreads, rice, or couscous
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200°C/375°F (180°C fan).
2. Toss zucchini and capsicum with oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Mix sauce ingredients in a small jug.
4. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated onion. Add lamb, egg, garlic, parsley, and spice mix. Mix well.
5. Shape into 16 meatballs, flatten slightly.
6. Arrange meatballs upright in a round baking dish, tucking zucchini and capsicum between.
7. Pour sauce evenly over the top, drizzle with olive oil.
8. Bake 35 minutes until meatballs are browned and sauce is bubbling.
9. Serve hot with yogurt drizzle and flatbreads or rice.
Notes
Stuffani’s Note: My mom never stopped cooking even after long shifts. This dish carries that spirit—warm, filling, and made for sharing.
Make ahead: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh the next day.
Freezer friendly: Bake, cool, and freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Moroccan Spiral Meatball Zucchini Bake, healthy dinner recipes, easy zucchini casserole recipes, Moroccan meatball casserole, zucchini bake with meatballs