Prepping your weekly lunches has never been so easy! Make the ultimate nutritious bento box with this mini meatballs recipes.

MAKES 1 bento box // COOKING TIME 30 min

INGREDIENTS
For the meatballs
500 g beef mince
½ green pepper, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 tsp paprika
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 egg
⅓  cup oats
2 tbsp olive oil
For the brown rice salad
2 cups cooked brown rice
½ cup olive oil
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp mustard
½ red onion, finely chopped
½ cucumber, chopped
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2 wheels feta
To serve
180 g tub red pepper hummus
½ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

METHOD
For the meatballs
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Mix the mince, pepper, onion, garlic and spices in a bowl.
2. Add the tomato paste, egg and oats and mix until it comes together. Season generously.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls, arrange on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
For the brown rice salad
1. Place the rice in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the wet ingredients together and season. Stir the dressing through the rice.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and toss.
To serve
1. Place the brown rice salad in a lunch box with a few mini meatballs on top. Place the hummus and pumpkin seeds in separate containers.

Recipe & styling: Kate Turner
Photography: Sean Dollery // HMimages.co.za

Looking for more lunch inspiration? Try our tortilla chip dipping bowl with salsa.