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Flavorful Turkey Meatball Dinner Bowl with Crispy Chickpeas

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A quick and easy turkey meatball dinner bowl featuring juicy spiced meatballs paired with crispy roasted chickpeas, served over quinoa or brown rice with fresh veggies and optional creamy toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean, 93% lean works great)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh lemon wedges
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki or Greek yogurt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for roasting chickpeas and another for meatballs.
  2. Prepare the crispy chickpeas: After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, spread them on a clean towel and pat dry thoroughly. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast the chickpeas: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Mix the turkey meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork it or the meatballs can get tough.
  5. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch (4cm) meatballs and place them on the second baking sheet. For uniform cooking, try to keep them similar in size.
  6. Bake the meatballs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be nicely browned outside but still juicy inside.
  7. Prepare the bowl base and toppings: While meatballs and chickpeas cook, prepare quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Crumble feta if using.
  8. Assemble the dinner bowl: Start with a base of warm quinoa or rice, top with turkey meatballs, sprinkle the crispy chickpeas on top, and add fresh veggies. Dollop with tzatziki or Greek yogurt and garnish with lemon wedges.
  9. Serve immediately: Squeeze fresh lemon over the bowl for a zesty finish. Enjoy!

Notes

Pat chickpeas very dry before roasting for best crispiness. Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Use a food thermometer to ensure turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil chickpeas for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crunch if desired. Let meatballs rest a few minutes after baking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, crispy chickpeas, dinner bowl, quick recipe, healthy dinner, family meal, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/flavorful-turkey-meatball-dinner-bowl-with-crispy-chickpeas-easy-recipe/