I love greek salads but am not a huge fan of most meatballs. Well, my son loves meatballs, so I decided to try making a greek inspired meatball. I used many of the ingredients I love from a good greek salad and rolled them into little balls. Why little? People love mini meatballs! This keto-friendly meal would make Zeus beg for seconds.
Greek Mini Meatballs with Vegetables & Cauliflower Rice
Servings: 4 people
Equipment
- large sheet pan
- mixing bowl
- parchment paper
- boxed grater
- large serving bowl
- colander
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lbs ground beef or lamb
- 3/4 cup chopped cilantro set 1/4 of ingredient aside for orzo
- 3/4 cup parsley set 1/4 of ingredient aside for orzo
- 1/4 cup chopped mint set 1/4 of ingredient aside for orzo
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled) set 1/4 of ingredient aside for orzo
- 1 tbsp oregano dried
- 1 tbsp garlic grated
- 1/4 tbsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed. Meyer lemons are the juiciest. Save 1/2 cup for orzo
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cup carrots grated
- 1 cup mixed bell pepper chunks or rounds if using mini peppers
- 30 cherry tomatoes substitute-whole grape tomatoes
- 1 cup purple onion thinly sliced, cut in half
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cups baby spinach coarsely sliced
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil cold pressed, extra virgin
Instructions
- preheat oven to 400F and prep all vegetables.
- line sheet pan with eco-friendly parchment paper.
- Using a large mixing bowl add meat, cilantro, parsley, mint, feta, oregano, garlic, 1 tsp of salt, cinnamon, ¼ cup of lemon juice and egg, Mix everything together by hand until thoroughly combined.
- Place carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions on the sheet pan. Drizzle with the avocado oil and mix around till they are lightly covered. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 12 minutes then remove.
- Form the meat mixture into small balls all around the same size. A good size is a generous tablespoon. Place the formed meatballs on top of the vegetables. Cook for 12-14 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and meatballs are slightly brown.
- Steam your cauliflower rice and spinach in a medium skillet. Drain any excess water.
- Once drained add the remaining herbs, feta, olive oil and lemon juice. . Add half the roasted vegetables with all the juices from the tray and toss everything together. Salt to taste. Transfer everything into a large serving bowl. Add the remaining vegetables and juices on the top of the vegetables and top off with the meatballs as in the accompanying picture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
8/08/22
Greek Mini Meatballs with Vegetables & Cauliflower Rice
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