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Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

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A hearty, wholesome bowl that blends smoky barbecue meatballs with a creamy avocado herb sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings summer barbecue flavors into your kitchen in just one pan and a blender.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)

  • 1 egg

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

For the Avocado Goddess Sauce:

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

  • 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1–2 tbsp water (to thin)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bowls:

  • 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage or slaw mix

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 cucumber, diced

  • Pickled onions (optional)

  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

  • Form into 12–15 small meatballs.

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through.

  • Reduce heat to low, add barbecue sauce, and stir to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.

  • In a blender, combine avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, basil, parsley, chives, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add water 1 tbsp at a time to reach drizzling consistency.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning in the sauce.

  • Assemble bowls by adding cooked rice or grains to the base. Top with meatballs, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber, and pickled onions.

  • Drizzle with avocado goddess sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey for a leaner option or beef for a richer flavor.

  • Add heat with hot sauce or jalapeños in the avocado sauce.

  • Keep sauce in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.

  • Store meatballs and sauce separately for easy reheating.

Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/barbecue-meatball-bowls-with-avocado-goddess-sauce/