Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! These Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce are one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re not only packed with flavor and vibrant colors but also offer a wonderful balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish brings everyone together around the table.

What makes these bowls so special is their versatility and ease of preparation. You can whip them up in just about an hour, making them an ideal choice for those hectic days when you need something satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy avocado goddess sauce adds a delightful twist that will have your taste buds dancing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have this meal on your table in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love these flavorful meatballs and colorful veggies—perfect for picky eaters!
• Meal prep friendly: Make extra servings for quick lunches throughout the week—just reheat and enjoy!
• Packed with nutrition: This bowl is loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants to keep you energized all day long.
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious bowls. You’ll find everything you need right here to make this meal not only tasty but nourishing.

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sirloin or lean/extra-lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup Panko
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 large garlic clove, minced

For the Sauce

• 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 3 tablespoons water

For the Roasted Veggies

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 bunch of broccoli, cut into medium florets
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

For the Avocado Goddess Sauce

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Big handful of fresh herbs (I used a combination of basil and dill)

For Serving

• 4 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change the grains: Quinoa can be swapped for brown rice or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition—no one will complain about extra veggies!
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce if you like things spicy!

How to Make Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 425 F. In a large bowl, combine all your meatball ingredients: ground beef, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, egg, Panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Mixing by hand ensures everything comes together beautifully. Once combined well, roll them into 16 meatballs and place them on a plate. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, warm two teaspoons of olive oil until it shimmers. Add the meatballs and brown them for a few minutes—this step adds extra flavor!

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Once browned on all sides, transfer your skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake those delicious meatballs for about 15 minutes. This baking process allows them to cook through while keeping them juicy.

Step 3: Roast Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

While your meatballs are baking away in the oven, it’s time to prepare those vibrant veggies! On one rimmed baking sheet, toss your diced sweet potatoes with two tablespoons of olive oil along with salt and pepper—make sure they’re evenly coated. On another sheet (or just use the same after removing sweet potatoes once done), toss broccoli florets similarly. Roast sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned; roast broccoli for about 20 minutes until bright green and slightly crispy.

Step 4: Combine Everything with Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce ingredients—barbecue sauce itself along with balsamic vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce), and water—to create a sticky glaze. Once your meatballs are out of the oven after baking time is up, pour this luscious sauce all over them in your skillet. Cook on medium heat until hot; this will help thicken the sauce around those flavorful meatballs.

Step 5: Make the Avocado Goddess Sauce

Now let’s whip up that creamy avocado goddess sauce! In a food processor fitted with an ‘S’ blade (or just use a blender), add avocado flesh along with Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic clove(s), salt & fresh herbs combo (basil & dill work great). Process until smooth—you want it creamy yet light!

Step 6: Serve Your Bowls

To serve up those beautiful bowls full of goodness: divide quinoa or rice among four bowls then layer on roasted sweet potatoes & broccoli plus barbecue meatballs topped off generously with avocado goddess sauce! Enjoy every last bite of this wholesome meal!

There you have it—the perfect recipe for Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce! I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Creating delicious barbecue meatball bowls is a breeze with these handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Choose lean ground beef: Using ground sirloin or lean ground beef not only makes your meatballs healthier, but it also helps them stay moist and flavorful without excess fat.

• Don’t skip browning the meatballs: Browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking adds an incredible depth of flavor. This step creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall taste of your dish.

• Adjust the spices to your liking: Feel free to add more spices or herbs based on your personal preferences. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful discoveries and make the dish uniquely yours.

• Make extra avocado goddess sauce: This creamy sauce is so tasty that you might want to drizzle it over salads or use it as a dip for veggies. Making extra allows you to enjoy its lusciousness throughout the week!

• Customize your bowl: Don’t hesitate to swap out veggies or grains! Add in seasonal vegetables or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.

How to Serve Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Serving your barbecue meatball bowls can be as fun as making them! Here are some ideas for presentation that will wow your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
• Sliced jalapeños: If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños can elevate the flavor profile and add zest.
• Toasted seeds or nuts: Adding toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds provides a lovely crunch and additional nutrition.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with leafy greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon complements the rich flavors of the meatballs without overwhelming them.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn brings summer vibes to your table and contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of this dish.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These can be seasoned similarly to your broccoli, adding another layer of roasted goodness alongside your bowls.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed with vinegar, dill, and red onion can help balance out the richness from the avocado goddess sauce.

Enjoy presenting these beautiful bowls, and remember that dinner is not just about food—it’s about sharing joy and warmth at the table! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce are perfect for meal prep! They store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bowls to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Assemble individual servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• Reheat in the microwave until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Alternatively, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still hold flavor and moisture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I customize my Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce?

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini or bell peppers would also work wonderfully!

What can I serve on the side with these meatball bowls?

Some fresh salad or coleslaw can complement these bowls nicely. You could also add crusty bread or pita chips for a little crunch.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. For the avocado sauce, replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce as much as I do! They are not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing—a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!