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Flavorful Spicy Turkey Meatball Dinner Bowl

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy spicy turkey meatballs served over your choice of grains or greens, packed with bold flavors and fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (lean but not extra lean)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
  • Optional: fresh spinach or kale
  • Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Lime wedges
  • Crumbled feta or shredded cheese (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined, about 5 minutes.
  2. Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 16-18 meatballs. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs without crowding the pan and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked at this point.
  4. Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and diced red bell pepper until softened, about 4 minutes.
  5. Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. While meatballs simmer, cook quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Add fresh spinach or kale at the end to wilt if desired.
  8. Assemble bowls by spooning grains or greens into bowls, topping with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, avocado slices, and optional cheese.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs well for better flavor and texture. Simmer gently to avoid drying out. Adjust spice level by varying cayenne and chili flakes. Use fresh herbs for brightness. If sauce thickens too much, add broth or water to loosen. Meatballs can be baked at 375°F for 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy turkey meatballs, dinner bowl, weeknight dinner, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, turkey recipe, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-spicy-turkey-meatball-dinner-bowl-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-weeknights/