Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water When making honey garlic glazed meatballs, you need fresh ingredients for the best taste. You can use ground beef or turkey. Both options are tasty and healthy. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese help bind the meatballs and add flavor. An egg keeps everything together. Garlic is key for the rich flavor in these meatballs. You’ll use minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch at the end. For the honey garlic sauce, honey is the star. It gives the sauce a sweet touch. Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. Minced garlic and sesame oil boost the flavor even more. To make the sauce thick, mix cornstarch with water. It helps the sauce cling to the meatballs. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun. Plus, you can involve your family. Cooking together creates lasting memories! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat ensures even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking. It also makes clean-up easy. In a large bowl, mix the following: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Combine these well, but don’t overmix. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. You want a soft, tender mixture. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. The meatballs are ready when they are fully cooked and lightly browned. In a medium saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Heat this over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, whisk it occasionally. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Add this mixture to the pan and stir. Cook until the sauce thickens to your liking. When the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them well. For serving, place the glazed meatballs on a platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy this tasty family dish! To make great meatballs, you need the right texture. The key is using good binding agents. I recommend breadcrumbs and egg. They help hold the meatballs together. You can also add grated cheese for extra flavor. When it comes to cooking methods, you can choose between baking and frying. Baking is easy and healthier. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet. They will brown nicely in about 18-20 minutes. Frying gives a crispy outside. Use a hot pan with some oil. Cook until they are browned on all sides. The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish. You can change up the flavor with simple tweaks. Add ginger for a spicy kick. A splash of lime juice gives it a bright taste. Adjusting the sweetness and saltiness is key. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If it's too sweet, a bit of soy sauce will balance it. Taste as you go for the best results. Meal prep makes life easier. You can mix the meatball ingredients in advance. Just store the mix in the fridge for up to a day. For freezing, form the meatballs and place them on a tray. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and parsley to enhance the flavor of the meatballs and sauce. Don't Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming tough. Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch or add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake them directly from the freezer when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can swap the ground beef or turkey for ground chicken or pork. Both options work well and add a nice twist to the dish. If you prefer a meatless meal, try using plant-based meat. These alternatives can taste just as good as traditional meatballs. They soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully! If you like heat, consider adding a touch of chili sauce to the honey garlic sauce. It gives the dish a sweet and spicy kick. For those watching their sugar intake, low-sugar alternatives are available. You can use sugar-free honey or reduce the honey amount for a lighter sauce. These meatballs pair nicely with rice or noodles. You can also serve them alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal. If you want to get creative, use the meatballs in subs or bowls. They fit perfectly in a hoagie roll with some crunchy toppings. You can even toss them in a salad for a fun twist! To store cooked meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them longer, consider freezing. Freezing meatballs is simple and quick. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, pack them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. They will last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Leftover honey garlic meatballs are versatile. You can slice them and add to pasta. They work great in a sub sandwich. You can also toss them in a salad for extra protein. Try mixing them into fried rice for a fun twist. Use your creativity! The best way to tell if meatballs are done is by using a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or turkey. This ensures they are safe to eat. You can also cut one open. The meat should be brown, and no pink should show. Yes, you can! Make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also freeze them. To reheat, bake the meatballs at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 10-15 minutes. If you froze them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - Fresh salad You can mix and match for a fun meal! Yes, you can swap honey for other sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar works well. Keep in mind that different sweeteners can change the taste. Taste as you go to find what you like best! In this post, I shared how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We discussed the key ingredients, from the meatball mix to the tasty sauce. I guided you through step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations. Take these ideas and make this dish your own. Enjoy creating, experimenting, and sharing this great meal with others. Happy cooking and savor each bite!$

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium if desired)
2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix.
With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch-water mixture to the saucepan. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to coat them evenly.
Transfer the glazed meatballs onto a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs