Barbecue Meatball Bowls with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Barbecue meatball bowls with avocado goddess sauce were born one night when I couldn’t decide between a hearty comfort dinner and something fresh and zesty. I remember opening my fridge and seeing ground meat ready to be used along with a handful of leftover herbs and a perfectly ripe avocado waiting to be loved so instead of making the usual spaghetti and meatballs I decided to roll the meat into juicy bites coat them in sticky barbecue sauce and pile them high over fluffy rice with a creamy avocado sauce on top and it turned out to be one of the best dinner experiments ever!

Since then these bowls have become my weeknight hero meal because they’re loaded with flavor fun to put together and perfect for customizing with whatever veggies I have on hand so now every time I make them I feel like I’m creating a colorful dinner masterpiece that satisfies both my comfort food cravings and my love for fresh bright toppings.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always play around with the veggies or sauce!
• Ground beef or turkey – The base for juicy tender meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
• Egg – Holds everything together and adds richness.
• Barbecue sauce – For that sticky smoky sweet coating.
• Garlic powder – Adds a warm savory note to the meatballs.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
• Cooked rice – A fluffy base for the bowls.
• Avocado – The creamy heart of the goddess sauce.
• Greek yogurt – Makes the sauce tangy and smooth.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) – Bring bright herby freshness to the sauce.
• Lemon juice – Adds a zippy kick to the sauce.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet veggie addition.
• Cucumber slices – For a refreshing crunch.
• Lettuce or salad greens – Add a crisp fresh layer.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the meatball ingredients.
• Baking sheet or skillet – For cooking the meatballs until caramelized and golden.
• Blender or food processor – Helps create that silky avocado sauce.
• Knife – To prep all the fresh veggies.
• Cutting board – Essential for safe and easy chopping.
• Spoon or scoop – Makes shaping the meatballs simple and consistent.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the meatballs

I start by mixing the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything is just combined. I try not to overmix to keep them tender.

Step 2: Shape and cook

I roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or cook them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Glaze with barbecue sauce

I brush or toss the cooked meatballs with barbecue sauce so they get that glossy sticky finish that’s totally irresistible.

Step 4: Make the avocado goddess sauce

In a blender, I combine avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water to reach my desired consistency. I blend until creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Prepare the base

I scoop cooked rice into bowls and top with fresh lettuce or salad greens for a light crisp texture.

Step 6: Assemble the bowls

I arrange the barbecue meatballs on top of the rice and greens, then add cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices around the sides.

Step 7: Add the sauce

I generously spoon the avocado goddess sauce over the meatballs and finish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs for extra color and flavor.

Step 8: Serve

I dig in right away while everything is warm and the sauce is silky and fresh.

Tips

For extra flavor in the meatballs, I sometimes add finely chopped onion or grated Parmesan. You can also make the sauce a bit spicier by adding a jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. If you want to make it lighter, try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these bowls as a complete meal on their own, but they’re also amazing with warm pita bread on the side. You can even turn the meatballs into wraps with the avocado sauce and veggies for a fun lunch option!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make barbecue meatball bowls with avocado goddess sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What type of barbecue sauce works best for barbecue meatball bowls with avocado goddess sauce?

I love using a smoky-sweet sauce, but you can use spicy or tangy versions depending on your taste.

Is barbecue meatball bowls with avocado goddess sauce gluten-free?

They can be! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your barbecue sauce ingredients.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these barbecue meatball bowls with avocado goddess sauce soon! They’re comforting, colorful, and so fun to make and eat. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to share your creations with me!

Happy Cooking!

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