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Today I’ve got another easy recipe for you: broccoli bowl with ground meat balls. More specifically, broccoli rice topped with small, spicy meatballs. Serve it with a spicy sauce and you’ve got a super quick and flavorful meal.
Table of contents
Tip from Simone
This easy dish is perfect as a quick meal. I eat the broccoli raw, but you can quickly stir-fry it if you’re not a fan of raw brassicas. I love having this as a fast lunch, and it’s surprisingly filling thanks to the meatballs!
Recipe Ingredients
This is a really simple recipe. The flavor mainly comes from the meatballs, the dressing, and the crunchy toasted seeds you sprinkle on top. Check the recipe card for the full ingredient list and instructions.
- Broccoli – I usually use 1 head of broccoli for 2 people. It depends a bit on the size, but count on about 150-200 grams (5-7 oz) per person.
- Ground meat – Use any type you like.
- Harissa – Use harissa (want to make your own? Here’s the recipe for making harissa!) to spice up the meatballs and also to season the dressing. You can swap it with sambal or gochujang (here’s an easy recipe for gochujang if you want to make it yourself).
How to Make Broccoli Bowl with Ground Meat
This easy meatball and broccoli recipe comes together quickly. Start by seasoning the ground meat. I add plenty of harissa, paprika powder, and salt and pepper. Simple but delicious. Pan-fry the meatballs until cooked through and golden brown.
Cut the broccoli into very small pieces using a food processor or a sharp knife. If you eat it raw like I usually do, you’re almost done already. Just whisk the sauce ingredients together and serve it all with the broccoli and meatballs.
More Broccoli Recipes
If you love broccoli as much as I do, make sure to check all the broccoli recipes here. A few favorites are this broccoli salad with pickled onions or this quick broccoli stir-fry with beef.
FAQ Broccoli Bowl
Yes! You can use cauliflower rice, or serve this with regular rice, couscous, bulgur, or noodles. For a low-carb option, broccoli rice works best.
Ground beef, a beef/pork blend, or ground chicken all work well. Choose slightly fattier ground meat (around 20% fat) so the meatballs stay juicy.
It depends on the brand and amount you use. Use 1 teaspoon for mild-medium heat, 1 tablespoon or more for spicy. You can also swap harissa for sambal, sriracha, or chili flakes.
Yes! Store the broccoli rice and meatballs together and keep the sauce separate. Everything stays fresh for 2-3 days in airtight containers in the fridge.
Absolutely. Use vegetarian meat or veggie meatballs. Brown them briefly for extra flavor and serve the dish as usual.
Yes. Stir-fry the broccoli rice for 3-4 minutes in a little oil with salt and optionally garlic for a warmer and slightly softer texture.
Broccoli Bowl with Ground Meat Balls
Ingredients
- 400 grams broccoli riced (about 14 oz)
- 300 grams ground meat about 10.5 oz
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp harissa or more to taste
- 1 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
- Oil for frying
For the sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp harissa
- Juice of 1/3 lime
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season the ground meat with paprika, harissa, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs and fry in a skillet with oil until cooked through and golden brown.
- Divide the broccoli rice between two bowls, top with the pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and add the meatballs.
- Mix all sauce ingredients together and serve with the broccoli bowls.
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
