Name: Spiced Meatball Bowl with Lemon Herb Rice & Roasted Veggies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or lamb; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup basmati rice; 2 cups water or broth; 1 lemon (zest + juice); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups chopped roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, red onion); 1 tbsp olive oil (for veggies); Salt and pepper, to season vegetables

Description

This Spiced Meatball Bowl features juicy, warmly seasoned meatballs served over fragrant lemon herb rice and paired with a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables. It’s a hearty, colorful, and flavor-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef or lamb
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water or broth
1 lemon (zest + juice)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, red onion)
1 tbsp olive oil (for veggies)
Salt and pepper, to season vegetables

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
Meanwhile, rinse the rice and cook it in water or broth according to package directions. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and chopped parsley once cooked.
Assemble bowls by layering lemon herb rice, roasted vegetables, and spiced meatballs.
Garnish with additional herbs or a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball option.
Feel free to add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for creaminess.
Batch roast vegetables ahead of time for faster meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: meatball bowl, lemon herb rice, roasted vegetables, Mediterranean meal, meal prep bowl