Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce – High-Protein, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 30 Minutes
These Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce bring the best of comfort and nutrition to your table—juicy BBQ meatballs served over fluffy rice with crisp veggies and a creamy avocado goddess drizzle. It's a high-protein dinner that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prep, and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you're fueling up after a long day or batch cooking for the week, this dish is a go-to for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey – lean is best for texture and flavor balance
- ½ cup barbecue sauce – choose a lower sugar option if desired
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs – optional for binding
- 1 egg – holds everything together
- ½ tsp garlic powder – flavor boost
For the Avocado Goddess Sauce
- 1 large ripe avocado – the creamy base
- ½ cup Greek yogurt – for tang and protein
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightness
- 1 garlic clove – punchy flavor
- ¼ cup fresh parsley and cilantro – optional but highly recommended
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa – your choice of grain
- 3 cups roasted or sautéed veggies – peppers carrots, zucchini, etc.
- Optional toppings: sliced scallions chili flakes, pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Meatballs- Preheat oven to 400°F.- Mix ground meat, barbecue sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder in a bowl.- Roll into 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through. Optionally, brush with more barbecue sauce halfway through.
- Step 2: Blend the Avocado Goddess Sauce- In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.- Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed to thin.
- Step 3: Roast the Veggies- Toss chopped veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper.- Roast on a sheet pan for 15–20 minutes alongside the meatballs.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowls- Start with a scoop of rice or quinoa.- Add roasted veggies and 3–4 meatballs.- Drizzle with avocado goddess sauce.- Top with scallions, chili flakes, or seeds if using.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce
- Choose lean ground meat for high-protein balance: Using lean ground beef or ground turkey helps keep the fat content in check while maximizing protein. This is especially great if you're aiming for a healthy, high-protein dinner recipe that still feels indulgent.
- Bake instead of pan-fry for easier cleanup: Instead of pan-frying your meatballs, bake them at 400°F for 15–18 minutes. You'll save time, reduce oil splatter, and still get that juicy, tender texture that makes these barbecue meatball bowls a weeknight favorite.
- Use ripe avocado for ultra-creamy sauce: To get that perfectly smooth avocado goddess sauce, make sure your avocado is ripe—soft with slight give when pressed. The creamy texture blends beautifully with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs for a flavor-packed finish.
- Don’t skip the herbs in the sauce: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill add brightness and balance out the richness of the barbecue sauce. It takes the whole bowl from good to unforgettable.
- Layer warm and cold for a crave-worthy bite: Serve your rice or quinoa warm, but keep your avocado sauce and veggies chilled. The contrast in temperature creates a satisfying texture in every spoonful of this quick and easy dinner bowl.
- Make it meal-prep friendly: Double the recipe and store components separately. Reheat the meatballs and rice as needed, then top with cold sauce and fresh veggies for a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal prep option all week.