Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Highlighted under: Fast Dinner Recipes

These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-29T15:31:28.005Z

These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or as a party appetizer. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats juicy meatballs, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Great for meal prep or entertaining
  • Versatile and can be served in various ways

A Perfect Party Appetizer

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are not just a family favorite; they’re also an excellent choice for parties and gatherings. Their appealing glaze and bite-sized nature make them easy to serve and even easier to eat. Guests will love popping these flavorful meatballs into their mouths, making them a hit at any event. Plus, their sweet and savory profile pairs well with a variety of drinks, ensuring they’ll be a crowd-pleaser.

Additionally, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family. Serve them on a beautiful platter, and watch as they disappear in no time.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the best things about these Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs is their versatility for meal prep. You can make a big batch over the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. They’re perfect for quick lunches or dinners when paired with rice or vegetables. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in just a few minutes.

If you want to freeze them, cook the meatballs and let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave, and toss them in the honey garlic sauce for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. You can enjoy them alone as an appetizer, or serve them over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal. Consider adding steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

For a fun twist, try using these meatballs in a sub sandwich topped with extra honey garlic sauce and your favorite veggies. They also make a delightful addition to salads or grain bowls, elevating your everyday meals with their delicious flavor.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and form into meatballs.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Enjoy your Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs with rice or noodles!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is simple. Place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs without the sauce. This way, you can enjoy them at a later date by defrosting and adding fresh honey garlic sauce before serving. They’ll taste just as delicious as the first time!

Customizing Your Meatballs

Feel free to customize the meatballs to suit your taste preferences. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. Vegetarian alternatives like lentils or chickpeas can also be used for a meat-free version.

Additionally, consider incorporating different herbs and spices into the meatball mixture. Fresh basil, oregano, or even a touch of cumin can add unique flavors that elevate this dish to a whole new level.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and will make the meatballs a bit lighter.

→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with rice, noodles, or can be served as appetizers with toothpicks.

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Fast Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup honey
  2. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  6. 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 03

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 04

Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 18g