Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Delicious barbecue meatball bowls garnished with avocado goddess sauce.

Table of Contents

Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines savory meatballs with a creamy, vibrant sauce. This dish offers tantalizing flavors and textures, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. Each bite is a delightful mix of tender meatballs, creamy avocado sauce, and hearty grains, all coming together in a colorful and appealing bowl.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 550
  • Protein: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 64 grams
  • Fat: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 9 grams
  • Sugar: 3 grams
  • Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

This recipe perfectly balances flavors and nutritional value. The flavorful meatballs are coated in tangy barbecue sauce, creating a delicious contrast to the creamy avocado goddess sauce. The protein from the ground beef combined with the wholesome ingredients like corn, beans, and avocado will keep you full and satisfied. Plus, the lively colors and textures make for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

How to Make Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Step 1: Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You want everything to blend evenly without overmixing; this keeps your meatballs tender.

Step 2: Mixing

Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, each about 1½ inches in diameter. This size allows them to cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 3: Cooking

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for about 6–8 minutes. This step develops a lovely crust and locks in the flavor.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the barbecue sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, turning to coat them evenly. While the meatballs simmer, prepare your avocado goddess sauce. Blend the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic, water, salt, and pepper until smooth, adjusting with more water for the desired consistency.

When ready, divide the cooked rice among four bowls and top each with corn, black beans, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and the barbecue meatballs. Drizzle the creamy avocado goddess sauce over each bowl and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

These bowls are best served warm and can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a fresh salad. The avocado goddess sauce adds a zesty kick that complements the sweet barbecue flavors beautifully. For a fun twist, consider serving them with tortilla chips or on a bed of quinoa instead of rice.

How to Store Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. The avocado goddess sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Expert Tips for Perfect Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

  • Don’t Overmix: When making meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
  • Consistent Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly.
  • Sauce Consistency: If your avocado goddess sauce is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired thickness.
  • Meat Substitution: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add Veggies: Throw in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini into the bowls for an extra nutritional boost.

Delicious Variations

  • BBQ Sauce Varieties: Use different barbecue sauces for varied flavors, such as spicy, honey, or mustard-based sauces.
  • Grain Alternatives: Swap out rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
  • Vegan Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or chickpeas and use a vegan yogurt for the sauce for a plant-based perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I freeze the meatballs?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or on the stovetop.

  • What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
    You can use sour cream or any non-dairy yogurt for a similar texture and taste.

  • Is this dish gluten-free?
    To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free bread.

  • Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
    Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

  • How can I make the dish spicier?
    Add diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture or top the finished bowls with hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Conclusion

Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce offer a hearty and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and delightfully flavorful. Perfectly suited for any occasion, these bowls are bound to become a family favorite. With their vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and generous servings, they’re sure to impress at your dinner table. Try it out, and you won’t be disappointed!

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Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A delicious and satisfying meal that combines savory meatballs with a creamy, vibrant avocado sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 1 diced avocado
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, each about 1½ inches in diameter.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Pour barbecue sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes, turning to coat evenly.
  5. In a blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  6. Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with corn, black beans, red onion, diced avocado, and barbecue meatballs. Drizzle with avocado goddess sauce and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado goddess sauce can be made ahead and stored separately.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 64g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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