One Pot Lamb Meatballs and Rice

This One Pot Lamb Meatballs and Rice is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Juicy, flavorful lamb meatballs are paired with fragrant jasmine rice and tender spinach—all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. I’ve made this recipe multiple times to get it just right, and it’s become a family favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot wonder: Less dishes, less mess—everything cooks together in one pot.
• Versatile protein options: Don’t have lamb? No problem! This recipe works just as well with ground beef, chicken, or turkey, and the cook time remains the same.
• Incredible flavor: The Mediterranean seasoning, lemon zest, and feta bring a burst of flavor to every bite.
• Perfectly balanced meal: Protein, carbs, and greens all in one dish.

Tips for Success

• Even meatballs: To ensure even cooking, make sure your meatballs are all about the same size. Using a cookie scoop makes this easy, I use a 1.5 tbs cookie scoop
• Wet your hands: Shaping meatballs is easy if you slightly wet your hands.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Customizations

• Protein Swaps: Use ground beef, chicken, or turkey for the meatballs—cook times remain the same.
• Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free version.
• Add More Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers or zucchini with the meatballs for extra color and nutrients.
• Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or mint for a burst of freshness

Serving Suggestions

• Tzatziki Sauce: A dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Side Salad: Serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Flatbread (the kids love this): Warm pita or naan on the side makes it even more satisfying.

This one pot lamb meatballs and rice is a flavorful, hearty, and incredibly convenient meal that your whole family will love. Whether you’re using lamb, beef, chicken, or turkey, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple!

One pot lamb meatballs with rice

Fall in love with this delicious dinner - one pot lamb meatballs with rice!

5 from 1 vote

Print Rate

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb or substitute with ground beef, chicken, or turkey
• 1/2 medium red onion finely chopped or grated
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled, or sub for goat cheese, this ingredient is optional
• 1 large egg slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Mediterranean seasoning
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
• 1 1/2 cup dry Jasmine rice
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth or 1-2 tbs Better than bullion and water
• 3 cup spinach chopped

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F, placing the rack in the center or bottom third.
• In a large bowl, combine the lamb, onion, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, feta (if using), egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, Mediterranean seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined. Form into 1½-inch meatballs—this should make about 24 meatballs.
  
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (6 qt) over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Add the jasmine rice to the pot with the browned meatballs. Pour in the chicken stock, and chopped spinach.
• Cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Remove from the oven, stir in the chopped spinach, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the rice is tender.
  
• Fluff the rice with a fork, serve hot, and enjoy this delicious one-pot meal!

Notes

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