Barbecued Southwest Meatballs with Garlic & Lime Avocado Sauce Recipe
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These Barbecued Southwest Meatballs are delicious right off the grill, and the sauce is simply divine.
I know. Seems a little odd to barbecue meatballs. But man are they good! That flavor from the grill really amps up the overall deliciousness of this dish.
Serve with almost any type of side, from veggies to whole grains or pasta. Make a southwestern pasta dish with pasta and extra dressing, or even make a sandwich out of them with a whole grain bun or bread!
These are also wonderful the next day for lunch. Easy to pack up and take with you!
More Healthy Meatball Recipes
About The Ingredients
Meatballs
Ground turkey – You can also use ground beef if you prefer.
Red bell pepper – Chop this as finely as you can. It will make a difference in the overall texture of the meatballs.
Ground cumin
Chili powder
Garlic – Mince this fine, or press with a garlic press.
Onion powder – Or onion granules.
Sauce
Limes – Just the juice
Honey – Any kind.
Avocado
Cilantro – Stems removed
Garlic powder
Salt – To taste
How To Make Barbecued Southwest Meatballs
Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients, kneading with your hands.
Then mold the meatballs to about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a hot grill and cook until they reach at least 165 F. on a meat thermometer. Note that this may be a bit easier to do in a grill pan.
Sauce
While the meatballs cook, combine all the sauce ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
When the meatballs are done, serve them with sauce drizzled over the top or in a side dish for dipping.
Storing Barbecued Southwest Meatballs
Store the meatballs separately from the sauce. both the sauce and the meatballs will keep in the fridge for 3 days if stored in an airtight container.
Freezing Barbecued Southwest Meatballs
The sauce cannot be frozen. But the meatballs can. Pack them well and freeze them for up to 4 months.
Reheating Barbecued Southwest Meatballs
From frozen – Thaw completely in the fridge for at least 24 hours.
From fridge – These can be reheated on the grill, in a microwave, or even in an oven.
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Barbecued Southwest Meatballs with Garlic & Lime Avocado Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground turkey
- ¾ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp. ground cumin
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 medium limes (juiced)
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 small avocado
- 1 sprig cilantro (stems removed)
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- salt to taste
Instructions
Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients, kneading with your hands.
- Then mold the meatballs to about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a hot grill and cook until they reach at least 165 F. on a meat thermometer. Note that this may be a bit easier to do in a grill pan.
Sauce
- While the meatballs cook, combine all the sauce ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- When the meatballs are done, serve them with sauce drizzled over the top or in a side dish for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
