Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce are a family favorite in my home. They bring together tender barbecue meatballs, roasted sweet potatoes, hearty quinoa, and vibrant broccoli—all drizzled with a creamy avocado sauce that adds a delightful twist. Not only is it comforting and delicious, but it’s also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines wholesome ingredients into a colorful bowl that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a cozy dinner for loved ones, these bowls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time!
• Nutrient-packed: Each bowl is full of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a meal that fuels your body.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the juicy meatballs and sweet potatoes, making it an easy win at the dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep the meatballs and roast the veggies ahead of time for quick assembly later in the week.
• Endless flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce and avocado goddess sauce makes every bite bursting with taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll find that all the ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up on any given day. Below is what you need to gather for your delicious barbecue meatball bowls.

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 get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add other veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini when roasting for added color and nutrients.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the meatballs with chickpea patties or lentil balls for a plant-based version.
• Change up the grains: If you’re not feeling quinoa, brown rice or even cauliflower rice work beautifully too!

How to Make Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 425 F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, black pepper, egg, Panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Mixing by hand helps create that perfect meatball texture! Once everything is combined well, roll them into 16 equal-sized balls. Heat two teaspoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add those beautiful meatballs to brown them on all sides—this step adds so much flavor!

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Once browned nicely (about 2 minutes), transfer your skillet directly into the oven and bake those meatballs for about 15 minutes. This ensures they cook through while keeping them juicy.

Step 3: Roast the Veggies

As your meatballs are baking away happily in the oven, prepare your sweet potatoes and broccoli! Spread diced sweet potatoes on one rimmed baking sheet and broccoli florets on another. Drizzle each with olive oil (2 tablespoons for sweet potatoes) and season with salt and pepper—don’t skimp on seasonings! Toss everything until coated evenly before arranging them in an even layer. Roast broccoli for around 20 minutes and sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes until they’re tender and lightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While those delicious veggies roast away perfectly alongside your meatballs in their cozy oven space! In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, balsamic vinegar, tamari sauce, and water until well combined. Once your meatballs are out of the oven (and smelling amazing), pour this savory sauce over them. Let them simmer on low heat until everything is hot and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Create Your Avocado Goddess Sauce

In a food processor fitted with an ‘S’ blade (or blender if that’s what you’ve got!), throw in your ripe avocado alongside Greek yogurt—this gives it creaminess!, lime juice for zing!, minced garlic for flavor!, sea salt to balance!, plus those lovely fresh herbs you chose! Process everything together until smooth—the result will be delightful!

Step 6: Serve Up Your Bowls!

Now comes one of my favorite parts—assembling those gorgeous bowls! Start by dividing cooked quinoa (or brown rice!) among four bowls as your base. Then pile on roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli alongside those tasty barbecue meatballs topped generously with avocado goddess sauce! Enjoy each bite of this delightful creation—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Creating these delicious barbecue meatball bowls can be a breeze if you keep a few helpful tips in mind!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean or extra-lean ground beef reduces the fat content, making your meatballs healthier without compromising on flavor.
• Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and dill in the avocado goddess sauce add brightness and complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chopping vegetables and measuring out ingredients before you start cooking can make the process smoother and more enjoyable, especially on busy weeknights.
• Experiment with different vegetables: Feel free to swap out broccoli and sweet potatoes for your favorite seasonal veggies. This not only keeps things interesting but also adds variety to your meals.
• Double the batch for meal prep: These meatball bowls store well in the fridge! Make a larger batch and enjoy them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

How to Serve Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Presentation is key when it comes to enjoying your barbecue meatball bowls! A colorful display makes each bite even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty taste that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a citrus dressing can balance the richness of the meatballs while adding freshness to your meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts are a flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with barbecue flavors.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a juicy sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory elements of the bowl.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar offers a cool crunch that enhances the overall experience of this hearty dish.

These serving suggestions will elevate your barbecue meatball bowls into an unforgettable meal. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Barbecue Meatball Bowl with Avocado Goddess Sauce is not just a flavorful meal; it’s perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bowls to cool completely before storing.
• Place the quinoa, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and meatballs in separate airtight containers.
• The avocado goddess sauce should also be stored in its own container to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• For long-term storage, you can freeze the meatballs and vegetables separately.
• Allow everything to cool completely and then pack them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• The avocado sauce does not freeze well; it’s best made fresh before serving.
• Frozen items can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs and veggies in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For quick reheating, use a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
• Serve with fresh avocado goddess sauce for best flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce that might help you!

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just follow the same instructions for mixing and baking.

How long do Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce last in the fridge?

Stored properly, they will last up to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to keep components separate until you’re ready to enjoy them!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute, and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt option.

What can I serve with Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce?

These bowls are filling on their own but pair beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread if you’re looking for something extra!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these vibrant and wholesome Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce! They bring together delicious flavors and healthy ingredients that your family will love. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or part of your meal prep routine, these bowls are sure to brighten your table. Grab your ingredients and dive into this delightful recipe today!