This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Please note that I only work with companies and products that I feel passionately about and that align with The Defined Dish’s views and that this Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Meatball post contains sponsored content for Shady Brook Farms Turkey. While I am compensated for the work I do, my opinions are always 100% my own.
One of my favorite ways to keep family dinners easy and exciting, especially during the busiest of times, is to do a build-your-own dinner night. Here, I’ve made an absolutely delicious Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Meatball rendition of build-your-own bowl night that is certain to excite your family!
At busy times, making time to slow down and reconnect around the dinner table is so important, and I find that build-your-own bowl nights are a game-changer for our family when it comes to overcoming picky palates and bringing excitement around the table. Here, my children have the freedom to decide what they eat and customize their own plates. I serve up our entire spread family-style on the dinner table and it always surprises me what the kids decide to put on top of their bowls—and they do it with enthusiasm!
Here, I’ve used Shady Brook Farms 93% Lean/7% Fat Ground Turkey to bring my family around the table with a fun, interactive, delicious AND nutritious dinner that we are all excited about. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, I created a fantastic turkey meatball that is loaded with beautiful spices and herbs, plus a touch of tahini and sesame. They are simply baked in the oven which is SO perfect, because while they are baking you can prepare all of your beautiful toppings for the bowls and the tahini drizzle!
Build-your-own bowl night is not only a fun way to get everyone around the table and enjoy dinner, but it’s also super easy to do and pretty stress-free in my opinion. The meatballs and rice come together quickly—but they can also be easily prepped ahead of time. That way, all you need to do is reheat when it’s time to serve and set out all of your toppings!
I know my family loves making their own unique creations when we have this for dinner, and I can’t wait to see what your family comes up with.
Build-Your-Own Mediterranean-Inspired Bowls
Ingredients
Lemon-Turmeric Rice:
- 1 tbsp butter or avocado oil
- ¼ cup minced shallot
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Zest of 1 lemon about 1 tbsp
- 1.5 cups white basmati rice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 3 cups chicken broth
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 2 lbs Shady Brook Farms 93% Lean / 7% Fat Ground Turkey
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill fronds
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley leaves
For the Tahini Drizzle:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp warm water
Optional Toppings for the Bowls:
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Pitted and halved green olives
- Baby arugula
- Fresh dill fronds
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber cut into the half moons
- Pita Bread
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Make the Rice:
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest, rice, salt and turmeric and continue to cook, toasting the rice until fragrant and lightly browned, about 4 more minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir and reduce the heat to a light simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep covered for 10 more minutes to allow it to continue to steam.
Meanwhile, Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, allspice, paprika, sesame seeds, tahini, dill and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and bake until cooked through and golden brown on the top, 15 to 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, Make the Tahini Drizzle:
- To make the tahini drizzle simply combine the tahini and lemon juice in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp of warm water at a time and whisk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Build your own bowls:
- Serve the lemon-turmeric rice, meatballs, and tahini drizzle with your desired toppings and build your own bowl!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is the tumeric dried or fresh and grated?
I loved this recipe so much. My daughter made it, and instead of making the meatballs, she just browned up the turkey, added all the spices and tahini, and then sauced it up with some coconut milk. I did the same. Topped my bowl with arugula, thinly sliced radishes and cucumber, quartered grape tomatoes, feta, the tahini drizzle and some tzatziki. The flavors are amazing, and the turmeric rice is delicious! I’m putting this in my regular rotation!
Absolutely delicious! We exchanged multi color quinoa for rice, but added most everything else you suggested, subbing dried dill. Dressing is yummy! It is so colorful and healthy, a winner!!
Reviewing the Tumeric rice which has become a staple in my house! Easy, great flavor and perfect for dinner or lunch prep for the office with a protein and veggie! Delicious as always, Alex!