Ground Lamb Rice Recipe Easy and Flavorful Dinner Ideas

Ground lamb combined with flavorful rice creates a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe blends tender, spiced ground lamb with aromatic rice, vegetables, and herbs to produce a satisfying one-pot meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this ground lamb rice recipe offers richness and depth of flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika elevates the natural taste of lamb, while the rice soaks up all the savory juices, resulting in a mouthwatering harmony of textures and aromas.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ready to dive into this flavorful ground lamb rice recipe? Let’s explore why this dish is a must-try, what you’ll need, and how to make it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground lamb rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make — just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and about 40 minutes to a delicious meal.

The dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling option for lunch or dinner.

Another reason you’ll love it is the rich and aromatic flavors from the blend of spices that complement the lamb perfectly without overpowering it. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy lamb in a comforting, homestyle way that’s ideal for family meals or meal prepping for the week.

Lastly, this recipe is versatile — you can add vegetables, swap rice varieties, or adjust the spices to suit your personal preferences. It’s a delicious way to experiment with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Juice of half a lemon

Equipment

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
• Serving dish or bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents sticky rice.
2. Cook the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the lamb: Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Use your spoon or spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Spice it up: Sprinkle the cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt over the meat. Stir thoroughly to coat the lamb evenly with the spices.
5. Add tomatoes and rice: Stir in the diced tomatoes, then add the rinsed rice. Mix everything together so the rice is coated with the spices and meat juices.
6. Pour in broth and simmer: Carefully add the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
7. Cook the rice: Let the mixture simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid uncovering the lid during cooking to ensure even steaming.
8. Rest and fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
9. Add finishing touches: Stir in the fresh parsley or cilantro and lemon juice for brightness. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top if using.
10. Serve warm: Transfer the ground lamb rice to a serving dish and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using lamb broth instead of chicken broth.

If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili when cooking the onions.

Vegetable lovers can mix in diced bell peppers, peas, or shredded carrots along with the tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Simply cook the cauliflower rice separately and stir it in at the end with the fresh herbs.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great reheated with a squeeze of lemon to refresh the flavors.

Looking for more rice-based recipes? Check out this Brown Rice Recipe VegRecipesOfIndia: Easy & Healthy Meals for a wholesome plant-based option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This ground lamb rice dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to enhance your meal.

• Serve with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil for a crisp contrast.
• A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side adds a cool, creamy element.
• Warm pita bread or naan can be used to scoop up the lamb and rice mixture.
• For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, accompany with roasted vegetables or a simple tabbouleh salad.

For more ideas on quick, delicious sandwiches that can complement your meal, don’t miss our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

This ground lamb rice recipe is a wonderful blend of rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and satisfying textures that come together in a simple yet impressive dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, it offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste.

The warmth from the spices combined with the tender lamb and fluffy rice makes every bite a delight.

Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or spice levels to make it truly your own. And if you’re curious about exploring other comforting and easy-to-make dishes, you might enjoy recipes like our Black Bean Rice Burger Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious or the flavorful Asian Ground Beef and Vegetable Recipes for Easy Dinners.

Give this recipe a try tonight, and enjoy a flavor-packed, wholesome meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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