Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce
These Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce are a flavorful fusion of smoky, tender meatballs tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, nestled over fluffy grains, and topped with roasted vegetables and a bright, herby avocado dressing. The rich and tangy sauce adds creamy contrast to the sweet-savory meatballs, creating a crave-worthy, balanced bowl.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a family-friendly dish that’s hearty yet fresh and healthy.
Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for tossing)
For the Bowl Base:
2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or farro
2 cups roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots)
1 cup shredded red cabbage or lettuce
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
Lime wedges for garnish
Avocado Goddess Sauce:
1 ripe avocado
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Salt & pepper to taste
2–4 tbsp water to thin as needed
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined. Form into 16–18 small meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Toss warm meatballs with barbecue sauce.
Roast or Prep Vegetables:
While meatballs bake, roast or steam your vegetables of choice until tender (e.g., roast broccoli at 400°F for 20 min with olive oil and salt).
Make the Avocado Goddess Sauce:
Blend all sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to thin to desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble the Bowls:
In each bowl, layer rice or grains, then top with vegetables, red cabbage, and corn. Add BBQ meatballs and drizzle generously with avocado sauce. Garnish with lime wedges and extra herbs.
Notes & Tips
Make it vegetarian: Use lentil or chickpea balls, or store-bought meatless meatballs.
Extra saucy? Drizzle extra BBQ sauce before serving or brush more on baked meatballs.
Meal prep: Store all components separately in containers. Assemble just before eating.
Short on time? Use frozen meatballs and bottled BBQ sauce to speed things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking?
A: Yes! Skewer or pan-grill them over medium heat until fully cooked.
Q: How long does the avocado sauce last?
A: Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface. Best within 2 days.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — use a plant-based yogurt or avocado alone with extra lemon and olive oil for creaminess.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 640mg