Spicy Meatballs and Couscous

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful Spicy Meatballs and Couscous recipe! Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs made with ground beef (and optional lamb for added richness) are infused with bold spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder, creating the ultimate savory bite. Paired with fluffy, lemon-infused couscous cooked in chicken broth and garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of butter, this dish combines hearty comfort with bright, zesty flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a satisfying meal that feels gourmet yet easy to prepare. Sprinkle some red chili flakes on top for an extra kick, and watch as this dish becomes a family favorite. Perfect for lovers of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, this recipe is a true showcase of delicious spices and quick cooking techniques.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 250 g ground lamb (optional)
• 60 g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 360 ml chicken broth (for couscous)
• 200 g couscous
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb (if using), breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined.

Step 3

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 20-25 meatballs.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.

Step 7

Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the couscous sit for 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 8

Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the butter, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 9

To serve, spoon the couscous onto plates and top with the spicy meatballs.

Step 10

Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1554.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2689.0

Total Fat 188.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 19.0g
Cholesterol 782.9mg	0%
Sodium 5747.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 109.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 7.4g
Protein 153.3g	0%

Vitamin D 50.2IU	0%
Calcium 263.1mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 2363.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.8%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 15.9%