Mediterranean Meatballs

Juicy lamb and beef meatballs packed with herbs and spices, paired with a fresh cucumber-tomato salad, lemony yogurt sauce, and a high-protein, low-carb rice base.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2–6 hours marinating, optional)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef

• 1 lb ground lamb

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1–2 oz crumbled feta

• 3/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp sweet paprika

• 1 tbsp dried thyme

• 1 tbsp sumac

• 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper flakes

• 1/2 tsp cumin

For the Salad:

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 Persian cucumbers, finely diced

• 1 large handful grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• Medium handful fresh dill & mint, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2–3 tbsp good quality olive oil

• Salt, pepper & Aleppo pepper flakes, to taste

For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce:

• 3 tbsp plain yogurt

• 2 tbsp mayo

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika

• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper

For the Base:

• 1 bag Kaizen low-carb rice, cooked (or rice of choice)

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Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, onion, egg, mozzarella, feta, parsley, salt, pepper, and all the spices. Mix thoroughly. Let sit in the fridge for 2–6 hours for best flavor (optional).

2. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, depending on desired doneness.

3. In a bowl, toss red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, dill, and mint. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Aleppo flakes. Set aside.

4. Mix together yogurt, mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and Aleppo flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Boil Kaizen low-carb rice according to package instructions (6 minutes in salted water, then strain). You can also sub with regular rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

6. Add a serving of rice to each bowl, top with meatballs, a scoop of herby salad, a drizzle of the yogurt sauce, and a sprinkle of Aleppo or sumac for extra flavor.

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