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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish To make Barbecue Meatball Bowls, you'll need a few key ingredients. Start with ground beef or turkey. Both work great and bring good flavor. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese help bind the meatballs. An egg adds moisture and keeps them tender. For seasoning, fresh parsley makes a nice pop. Garlic and onion powder give depth to the taste. A bit of black pepper adds a mild kick. When it's time to serve, choose your barbecue sauce. You can buy it or make it yourself. Pair the meatballs with cooked rice. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Top your bowls with halved cherry tomatoes and slices of avocado. Fresh cilantro adds color and a burst of flavor. Together, these ingredients create a meal that looks as good as it tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will help cook the meatballs evenly. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Mix these items together. Be careful not to overwork the meat. This keeps the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Take the meatballs out of the oven. Brush them generously with barbecue sauce. This adds flavor and a nice glaze. Put them back in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce nicely. While the meatballs finish baking, prepare the bowls. Start with a layer of cooked rice at the bottom. Add a generous serving of the barbecue meatballs on top. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado on top of the meatballs. These fresh ingredients add color and taste. Finally, garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro. You can also drizzle more barbecue sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy! To make the best meatballs, you should not overwork the meat mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Gently combine your ingredients until they just hold together. For even cooking, aim for meatballs that are about 1 inch in size. This size allows them to cook evenly and stay juicy. If you want to mix things up, consider using ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey. Both add a new flavor twist. You can also swap your rice type. Try white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. Each option gives your bowl a different texture and taste. For a bolder taste, make your own barbecue sauce. Blend ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices for a quick sauce. You can also create unique spice blends. Try adding smoked paprika or chili powder to the meatball mixture. These small changes can really elevate your dish and impress your guests. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to keep your meatballs juicy without excess fat. Add Spice: Feel free to customize your meatball mixture with extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for added heat. Cook Rice Ahead: Prepare your rice in advance to save time and ensure it's warm when assembling your bowls. Fresh Toppings Matter: Don't skip the fresh herbs and vegetables; they add brightness and texture to your dish. {{image_2}} You can use different meats for your meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options are leaner and still tasty. If you prefer beef, that’s great too. For a plant-based option, try vegetarian or vegan meatballs. You can make them with beans, lentils, or chickpeas. These choices are healthy and packed with flavor. The sauce makes a big difference in taste. You can pick from many barbecue sauces. A spicy sauce adds a kick. If you like sweet flavors, try a honey or maple BBQ sauce. A smoky sauce can give a rich depth. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment! You can serve your meatball bowls with tasty sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. Grilled veggies bring out smoky flavors. Coleslaw offers a nice contrast with its creaminess. These sides balance the meal and make it more fun. Choose what you love and enjoy! To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in your fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps to avoid moisture build-up. You can also pair them with rice or other sides in the same container. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and rice separately. Place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. After they freeze, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. For rice, use a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, reheat without losing moisture. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the meatballs juicy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep everything tender. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. I often prepare a big batch. Just mix the meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and spices. Form the meatballs and bake them. Once they cool, store them in an airtight container. They last in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before reheating. If you want a rice substitute, you have many options. Quinoa works well. It’s healthy and has a nice texture. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb choice. You can also try farro or barley for a different flavor. Each option offers its own unique taste and texture. Making your own barbecue sauce is simple. Start with these ingredients: - 1 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder Mix these together in a bowl. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your taste. This sauce adds a personal touch to your meatballs. Yes, you can cook these meatballs on the stovetop. Just heat some oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking them until they are browned on all sides. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat size. In this post, we covered how to make delicious barbecue meatball bowls. We talked about key ingredients like ground meat, breadcrumbs, and barbecue sauce. I also shared steps to ensure perfect meatballs and tasty bowl assembly. You can try various ingredients or sauces for fun twists. Don't forget about storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and amaze your friends and family with these easy, flavorful bowls. You will impress everyone with your skills!

Barbecue Meatball Bowls

Delicious meatballs coated in barbecue sauce served over a bed of rice with fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them generously with barbecue sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  • While the meatballs are finishing, prepare the bowls. Start with a base of cooked rice, followed by a generous serving of the barbecue meatballs.
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado on top of the meatballs.
  • Finish with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve each bowl with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce and a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh touch.
Keyword barbecue, easy dinner, meatballs, rice