Print

Flavorful New Years Dinner Bowl Recipe with Turkey Meatballs and Crispy Chickpeas

turkey meatballs and crispy chickpeas bowl - featured image

A hearty and bright dinner bowl featuring juicy turkey meatballs, crispy roasted chickpeas, and a zesty yogurt sauce, perfect for celebrations or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (dairy-free option if needed)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
  2. Pat chickpeas dry and toss with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Roast chickpeas for 25-30 minutes, shaking pan halfway through, until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (16-18 total) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and lightly browned.
  7. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions and fluff with a fork.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and honey or maple syrup if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Assemble bowls by dividing grains, topping with fresh greens, turkey meatballs, and crispy chickpeas.
  10. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting for best crispiness. You can pan-fry meatballs instead of baking for a crusty exterior. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in oven to restore chickpea crunch. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free panko instead of breadcrumbs. Dairy-free options include coconut yogurt and omitting Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, crispy chickpeas, dinner bowl, healthy recipe, New Years dinner, easy dinner, celebration meal, gluten-free option, protein bowl