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Savory Nye Snacks Turkey Meatball Dinner Bowl

turkey meatball dinner bowl - featured image

A hearty and wholesome turkey meatball dinner bowl featuring smoky seasoned meatballs, a vibrant bed of grains, and fresh veggies, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (preferably lean, 93% lean works great)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular; gluten-free options like almond flour also work)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) finely chopped onion
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 cup (190 g) cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup (150 g) steamed broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) sliced cucumbers
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined, about 3 minutes.
  2. Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs carefully without overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C), about 10-12 minutes total.
  4. While meatballs cook, prepare quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. For quinoa, rinse and simmer in 2 cups water for 15 minutes until fluffy.
  5. Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, about 5 minutes, or microwave covered with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes. Prepare shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the optional sauce.
  7. Assemble the bowl by layering cooked quinoa or rice, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Top with 4-5 turkey meatballs and drizzle with the yogurt sauce or your favorite dressing.

Notes

Keep hands wet or lightly oiled when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking. Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Use a digital thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F (74°C). Rest meatballs 5 minutes after cooking for juiciness. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Sauce is optional but recommended for creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, dinner bowl, healthy meal, quick dinner, homemade, savory, gluten-free option, high protein