These easy honey garlic meatballs are one of those family dinners that everyone loves. Tender, juicy meatballs that are coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce that’s perfect over rice or mashed potatoes. You can make them on the stovetop, bake them in the oven, or prep and freeze them for an easy crockpot dinner later. You can sear the meatballs in a pan and finish them right in the sauce, bake them in the oven and toss them in the sauce, or make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy crockpot meal.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Honey Garlic Meatballs:
These have quickly become one of those recipes worth keeping in the regular dinner rotation.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly with a sweet and savory flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Easy to serve with rice, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables
Ingredients You Need For Easy Honey Garlic Meatballs:
- Ground beef – I like using a good quality ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs that don’t dry out while cooking. Ground pork, ground chicken, or ground turkey work as well.
- Egg – Helps hold everything together and keeps the meatballs nice and tender.
- Breadcrumbs – Gives the honey garlic meatballs a little structure while keeping them soft on the inside.
- Onion powder – An easy way to add a little extra savory flavor without having to chop an onion.
- Sea salt & black pepper – Simple seasonings are all you need to bring out the flavor of the meatballs. We use Redmond sea salt, it’s our favorite and we use it in everything! You can use the code daddioskitchen for 15% off. We get the big bag!
- Milk – Helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy while adding a little richness to every bite.
- Honey – The star of the sauce! It gives the meatballs that delicious natural sweetness and sticky finish.
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos – Adds the salty, savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the honey in these easy honey garlic meatballs.
- Ketchup – Adds a little tanginess and helps give the sauce its rich, sweet flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a touch of tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds so much flavor and is a must for that classic honey garlic taste! You can use granulated garlic as well.
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Alright, let’s get to making the recipe. Enjoy!
Easy Honey Garlic Meatballs
These easy honey garlic meatballs are one of those family dinners that everyone loves. Tender, juicy meatballs that are coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce that’s perfect over rice or mashed potatoes. You can make them on the stovetop, bake them in the oven, or prep and freeze them for an easy crockpot dinner later. You can sear the meatballs in a pan and finish them right in the sauce, bake them in the oven and toss them in the sauce, or make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy crockpot meal.
Servings: 0
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼-⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1-2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- Pan-Searing Method:
- Add the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to a bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the meatballs stay tender.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1–1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the meatballs and sear on all sides, turning as needed, until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs cook, whisk together the honey, ketchup, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs and gently toss to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meatballs.
- Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Oven-Baked Method:
- Prepare and shape the meatballs as directed above. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 13-16 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with the sauce. For an extra sticky glaze, you can return the sauced meatballs to the oven for another 3–5 minutes.
Freezer + Crockpot Method:
- Prepare the meatballs according to the recipe, and proceed to bake them as the directions above. Place the cooked and fully cooled meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to cook, place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic sauce over top. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Gently stir once or twice during cooking if desired.
- TIP: I highly suggest doubling the sauce if you like your meatballs saucy and want some extra sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Want extra sauce? Double the sauce recipe! This is especially good if you’re serving the meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes and want plenty of sauce for drizzling.
- I love using homemade sourdough breadcrumbs made from leftover bread, but regular breadcrumbs work perfectly, too.
- Start with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and add a little more if the mixture feels too wet.
- Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce the strongest garlic flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
