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Keto Moroccan Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Cauliflower Couscous

Moroccan spiced lamb meatballs on cauliflower couscous with almonds and herbs, keto-friendly dish

Let’s be honest—when we think of a weeknight dinner that feels anything but boring, our minds go straight to spice. Not heat, necessarily, but warmth—those deep, earthy, aromatic blends that instantly transport us. This Moroccan-inspired lamb dish is our go-to when we want something comforting, flavorful, and still 100% keto-friendly.

We fell in love with this recipe after a trip to a spice market, where the scent of toasted cumin, ground coriander, and cinnamon felt like a hug in a jar. Pairing that with juicy, tender lamb and a fluffy cauliflower couscous made with lemon and herbs was a no-brainer. It brings in all the texture and satisfaction of a traditional North African meal—without the carbs.

What makes this dish extra special is how well it lends itself to meal prep. The meatballs freeze beautifully and the cauliflower couscous keeps its flavor and fluff in the fridge for days. It’s the kind of meal we keep in rotation when we want something exotic, hearty, and deeply satisfying that won’t weigh us down.

Plus, with the bright lemon, nutty almonds, and fresh parsley in the couscous, every bite feels layered and exciting. This one’s perfect for both casual dinners and impressing your foodie friends.

Cuisine ,
Courses ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Rest Time: 5 mins Total Time: 45 mins
Servings 4
Calories 430
Description

Ground lamb is blended with Moroccan spices and baked into juicy meatballs, then served over a fiber-rich cauliflower couscous with herbs, lemon, and almonds. A keto-friendly dish with bold flavor and feel-good nutrients.

Ingredients
    For the Lamb Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • For the Cauliflower Couscous:
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced (~4 cups)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped almonds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
    Prepare the Meatballs:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, mix lamb with onion, garlic, spices, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  5. Make the Cauliflower Couscous:
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add riced cauliflower and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  7. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, almonds, and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Cook 1–2 more minutes and remove from heat.
  9. Serve:
  10. Plate meatballs over the cauliflower couscous and garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 ServingCalories:430kcalTotal Fat:31gSaturated Fat: 10gTotal Carbohydrate:10gDietary Fiber: 5gSugars: 3gProtein:26g

Note

Substitutions & Variations:

  • Lamb substitute: Use ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
  • Nut-free option: Skip the almonds and try pumpkin seeds for crunch.
  • Spicy version: Add harissa or more cayenne to the meatball mix.
  • Vegetarian version: Try this couscous with roasted spiced chickpeas instead of lamb.