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Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice with Savory Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Cauliflower rice has been on my radar for ages, but I only recently started making it at home. Last week, I whipped up a celery salad featuring raw cauliflower rice—it was a surprising hit! This time, I paired it with meatballs in tomato sauce, and it's an absolute winner that my family loves.

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Why choose cauliflower rice over regular rice?

As a busy working mom focused on balanced family meals, it's a smart swap for several reasons.

  • Lower carbohydrates by replacing white rice with nutrient-dense cauliflower.
  • Sneaks more vegetables onto the plate—even picky eaters won't notice.
  • Encourages mindful eating with smaller bites.

Cauliflower rice with meatballs in tomato sauce

This recipe was such a success that I've shared it here for you to try. It's simple, flavorful, and family-approved.

Ingredients

For the cauliflower rice:

  • Cauliflower rice (± 700-800 grams)
  • Garlic, 3 cloves
  • Coriander (5 grams)

For the meatballs in tomato sauce:

  • Pack diced tomatoes with garlic
  • Coriander (5 grams)
  • 2 onions
  • (Indian spiced) meatballs (as needed, I use about 400 grams)
  • Small can of tomato paste (70 grams)
  • Teaspoon of Ras el Hanout

Preparation method

For the cauliflower rice:

Sauté the garlic in a wok with a bit of oil. Add the cauliflower rice and stir on medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Stir in the coriander right at the end.

For the meatballs in tomato sauce:

Brown the meatballs in butter. Add the onions and sauté until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the diced tomatoes, coriander, and Ras el Hanout. Simmer to let the flavors meld.

Also delicious: delicious spinach soup

Recipe details for cauliflower rice with meatballs in tomato sauce

I grab pre-made cauliflower rice from my local greengrocer for convenience—it's not always at Plus, but Albert Heijn stocks it. Of course, you can make it yourself (see below). As a working mom, I appreciate these time-savers. While traditional rice works, I opt for cauliflower to cut carbs without sacrificing taste.

Make your own cauliflower rice?

If you have extra time, it's straightforward with a food processor or blender. Cut a cauliflower into even pieces (no leaves), add to the processor with a splash of water, and pulse briefly to rice texture—avoid over-processing to prevent mush. Drain in a colander. Visual learners, check the video below!