These honey garlic meatballs are sweet, sticky, and oh-so-tasty! They’re made with ground meat, garlic, and a delicious honey sauce that makes them extra special.
Honestly, who can resist those little bites of joy? I love serving them over rice or just popping them straight from the platter—it’s hard to stop at one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef works well, but feel free to mix in ground pork or use turkey for a lighter option. If you’re avoiding meat, try using lentils or chickpeas to make vegetarian meatballs!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but you can use panko for a crunchier texture, or even crushed crackers as a fun alternative. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also available if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds nice flavor, but skip it for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can be a tasty substitute that keeps things cheesy without the dairy!
Honey: If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave syrup can replace honey in the sauce without much change in taste.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels in check, or replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another good substitute that’s less salty.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Tender and Juicy?
Making tender meatballs can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Don’t overmix! Combine your ingredients just until they’re mixed. Overworking can make them tough.
- Keep your meatballs moist by adding milk or an egg. This helps bind them together without drying them out.
- Make sure to bake your meatballs at the right temperature—400°F (200°C) is perfect for cooking them through while keeping them juicy.
- If you want a little extra flavor, a quick sear in a skillet before baking can add a nice crust!
Enjoy your meatball-making process, and don’t forget to taste as you go! You can always adjust seasonings to your preference along the way.
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the meatballs cook evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, milk, salt, pepper, and oregano. Combine these ingredients gently but thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Shape Your Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the meat mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the meatballs bake for about 15-20 minutes. They should be cooked through and have a nice golden brown color on the outside.
5. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the sauce! In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, and vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into it. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
7. Combine and Coat:
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them into the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat each meatball generously in the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your honey garlic meatballs with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve them hot on their own, or over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables. Everyone will love these sweet and savory bites!
Enjoy the delightful flavors of sweet honey and savory garlic with these tender meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef, making the meatballs healthier while still being delicious. Just keep an eye on cooking time as turkey may bake a little quicker than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave syrup works well as a substitute for honey in the sauce. It will still provide that sweet flavor without the animal product!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage! Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and even bake them ahead of time. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving with the honey garlic sauce. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy nights!
