I've had meal-planning ADD lately. I sit down to plan my menu, write it all out, make my grocery list, then decide I hate everything on it and start over. I'm pretty certain that last week I created three separate menus before finally settling on the final version. And I have to say, I'm glad I floundered the way I did, because last week's meals were pretty spectacular! I must do my best work under pressure.
Leading the way was this last-minute addition, and ironically, it was just kind of thrown together on a whim. I didn't have it in me to drag all the kids to the grocery store that day, so I needed to figure something out based on what was in the fridge.
The meatballs are an adaptation of my BBQ chicken burgers, and they were a smash hit. Everyone in my family just devoured these. To keep this dinner on the light side, I threw together a grilled corn and cheddar quinoa salad, and the pairing of the meatballs with the quinoa was just fantastic (though I think the meatballs would be fabulous over cheesy grits as well). These would be a great addition to a party spread or tailgate as well, just served as-is. Or topped with melted cheese and turned into a bbq meatball sub. Um, yes please.
This was a filling and satisfying summer meal, but it was nice and light as well. The perfect balance between my desire for healthy dinners, and wanting to serve something hearty and filling for the kids. It's a winner all-around.
BBQ Turkey Meatballs over Cheddar-Corn Quinoa
BBQ Turkey Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 scallion, minced
- 1 Tbs minced fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- pinch cayenne
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 5 Tbs bbq sauce, divided
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, panko, scallion, cilantro, paprika, garlic, mustard, salt, cayenne, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the bbq sauce. Lightly but thoroughly mix with your hands to incorporate all the ingredients. Using an ice cream scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup, form the mixture into balls, and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of bbq sauce to a small bowl.
Bake the meatballs 11 to 12 minutes, then brush with the reserved bbq sauce. Return to the oven and bake an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are cooked through (160 in the center).
Cheddar-Corn Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 ears of corn, grilled, roasted, or boiled, kernels cut from cobs
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced into thin rings and rinsed under cold water
- 3 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 scallion, minced
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 Tbs olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
Bring the quinoa, broth, and a big pinch of salt to a boil in medium saucepan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
Remove the quinoa from heat, and add to a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the corn, onion, cilantro, scallion, and cheese.
In small bowl, whisk together the oil, pepper flakes, garlic, and vinegar. Pour over the quinoa and gently mix to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the meatballs over the quinoa.
16 comments:
These would be a huge hit here, love the flavoring of these meatballs!
We love those chicken BBQ burgers of hours so I know we would love these as any form of meatball is a big hit with my kids. Going on next week's menu!!
Somehow the random, thrown-together meals always end up being the best! Of course, for me, those are usually the ones I don't photograph. :P
I've been having menu planning issues also so you're not alone! I just can't decide on ANYTHING lately!
Goodness I am amazed at your menu planning. I guess I did that somewhat when I had the whole family bit going on. But more like looking at the food ads in the paper and kind of going from there----making decisions at the grocery store. But since you present excellent recipes, it works wonderfully for you and for us your followers. Like I pinned this one for example.
I almost feel like there are TOO many options right now -- all of my favorite produce is in season, and I just can't make a decision. I want to grill everything! Tomatoes in everything! Corn in everything! Seriously, meal planning-induced ADD.
Made this tonight! All of us loved it! I made the meatballs earlier and froze them. Defrosted in the fridge then threw them in the oven to warm them while I cooked the quinoa. Great recipe!!
So glad to hear it, Hilary! Great idea to make the meatballs ahead of time. I'll have to remember that and do it for a busy week!
These were delicious! Great use of BBQ in an inventive way. Thanks for sharing!
I can't wait to make these and I'm inspired to make subs so I will get my dough in the bread machine stat. Heard about you on Instagram from Annie's eats. I'm frenchymms and I'm sure I will have something to share after I make them!
So glad you liked them, Ashley!
Yay, you'll have to let me know how they turn out! Just followed you on IG :)
Just made this for dinner tonight... and it was a HIT with everyone!! I used Annie's Eats Homemade BBQ sauce for the meatballs.... sooo good! What I loved was how quick this meal was to throw together!!! Thanks again for another great meal! :-)
Going to try this based on Annie's recommendation. Just so you know, the recipe instructions say chicken instead of turkey. I'm actually going to make these with chicken. I'm sure they'll be great!
I hope you enjoy! And thanks for catching that. I use them interchangeably, and apparently write abut them interchangeably as well :)
So glad you liked it Makala! So easy, and so good, right?!
Made them tonight and they were amazing!! So excited to make more of your recipes in 2015!
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