Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-19 · Updated 2026-05-19

Tender lamb meatballs infused with warm Moroccan spices served over fragrant sautéed cauliflower rice for a savory Whole30 entrée. This middle eastern-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground lamb, small, finely grated onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 small, finely grated onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium head, grated or processed into rice-sized pieces cauliflower
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 1 small finely grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the lamb mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs (about 1 inch each).
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). Remove meatballs and keep warm.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 medium head of cauliflower riced. Sauté the cauliflower rice for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until tender and slightly golden.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice into the cauliflower rice. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the lamb meatballs over the cauliflower rice.