When I think of party platters or cozy dinners, Honey Garlic Meatballs always come to mind. This recipe was a Sunday staple in our house growing up — a dish that brought everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma. My mother used to simmer them low and slow on the stovetop, and the glaze would get just the right kind of sticky. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or full-on dinner with rice or mashed potatoes, these meatballs are everything you want in comfort food — and then some.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Bold Flavors: Sweet honey, bold garlic, and savory soy sauce come together perfectly.
- Versatile: Serve as appetizers, in sliders, or over rice.
- Easy to Prep: Make them in advance and freeze for later!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Step 2: Shape & Sear
Roll into 1-inch balls. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry, stir well, and cook until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Step 4: Combine & Simmer
Transfer the browned meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re fully cooked through and glazed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs shine with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Noodles or pasta
- Sliders with crunchy slaw
- As a party appetizer with toothpicks
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze Meatballs: Freeze raw or baked meatballs for up to 3 months.
- Refrigerate Sauce: The honey garlic sauce can be made 2–3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Flavor Boosters
- Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for heat.
- Stir in grated ginger for a zesty kick.
- Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven (optional)
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Description
Sweet, savory, and sticky—these Honey Garlic Meatballs are a flavor-packed crowd favorite perfect for dinner or party appetizers!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Step 2: Shape & Sear
- Roll into 1-inch balls. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry, stir well, and cook until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Step 4: Combine & Simmer
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re fully cooked through and glazed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Freeze Meatballs: Freeze raw or baked meatballs for up to 3 months.
- Refrigerate Sauce: The honey garlic sauce can be made 2–3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, party meatballs, sweet and savory meatballs, easy meatball recipe, sticky meatballs, Asian meatballs, glazed meatballs, freezer-friendly meatballs, ground beef appetizer, meatball dinner ideas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sauce. Simmer until heated through and coated.
2. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great. You may want to reduce the breadcrumbs slightly as lean meats can be drier.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
4. How do I make the sauce spicier?
Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture for heat.
5. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked. Then add to the simmering sauce.
