Honey Garlic Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the rich flavors of garlic and honey to create a sauce that perfectly complements the savory taste of homemade meatballs. The combination of sweet honey and garlic gives these meatballs a delicious, unique flavor that’s a little sticky and completely satisfying. The meatballs themselves are tender and juicy, making them a great option for meal prep, parties, or just a cozy family dinner.

They are also quick to make, and you can customize the flavor with various additions or swaps. Plus, the honey garlic sauce is simple to make and packs a punch of flavor without being overly complicated.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred meat)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce comes to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and stick to the meatballs.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Meatballs: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version of this recipe.

• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or a mixture of mashed beans and breadcrumbs for a vegetarian alternative.

• Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

• Different Meatballs:  lamb, or even a mix of different meats for varied flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few minutes. You can also heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes if you prefer a crispy exterior.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs and bake them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them and toss them in the honey garlic sauce.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even a blend of meats will work well in this recipe.

How can I thicken the honey garlic sauce?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I make the sauce spicy?

Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or even a bit of hot sauce to give the honey garlic sauce a spicy kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the breadcrumbs and soy sauce. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just make sure to cook them through, and then coat them in the honey garlic sauce.

How do I avoid dry meatballs?

Be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, and bake them until they’re just cooked through. If you overcook them, they can become dry.

Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Yes! You can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.

How long will the leftovers last?

Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I cook the meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker. After browning the meatballs in a skillet, transfer them to a slow cooker with the honey garlic sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and savory dish that is sure to become a favorite. The combination of tender meatballs and a flavorful honey garlic sauce makes this recipe easy to love. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, party, or meal prep, this dish is versatile and sure to impress. Try it out, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of honey and garlic!

Honey Garlic Meatballs

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Honey Garlic Meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs and a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce is sure to impress. Quick and easy to prepare, they can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or a party snack. Whether you’re using beef, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative, this recipe is customizable to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred meat)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

• Roll the mixture into small meatballs (1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.

• While baking, make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Remove the meatballs from the oven and place them in a skillet. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat.

• Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and adhere to the meatballs.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.Freezing: Allow cooked meatballs to cool before freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat by microwaving, on the stove, or in the oven.Make-Ahead: Prepare and bake the meatballs ahead of time, then reheat and coat them with the sauce when ready to serve.