These Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich sweet-savory sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for weeknight meals, entertaining, or meal prep, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatballs strike the perfect balance between savory beef and a luscious honey-garlic glaze. They bake up moist and delicate, thanks to a breadcrumb-milk mixture that keeps them soft and tender. The sauce comes together in minutes and clings beautifully to each meatball. This dish is also convenient for make-ahead cooking—great for freezing, batch cooking, or preparing for gatherings. Whether served with rice, potatoes, or vegetables, they’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Meatballs
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup milk
1 onion, finely minced
2 eggs, mixed
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1–2 teaspoons dry herbs and spices (optional; such as dried chives, dried parsley, granulated onion, or granulated garlic)
Honey Garlic Sauce
½ tablespoon butter or oil
2–4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup honey
¾ cup ketchup
¼ cup soy sauce
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
In a bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk until fully absorbed.
Add the ground beef, onion, eggs, salt, pepper, and optional herbs/spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, ensuring not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.
While the meatballs bake, heat the butter or oil in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the honey, ketchup, and soy sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for 7–10 minutes until cooked through and well-glazed. Avoid overcooking to keep them soft.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 60–63 small meatballs.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes
Serves: About 6–8 people, depending on portion size.
Variations
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce to the glaze.
Herb-Forward: Increase dried herbs such as parsley or chives for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free soy sauce.
Turkey or Chicken Option: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter variation.
Sweeter Glaze: Add an extra tablespoon of honey for a more pronounced sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze baked (but unsauced) meatballs in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
How do I keep the meatballs tender?
Using a breadcrumb-milk mixture keeps the meatballs moist and prevents them from becoming dense.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead and refrigerate or freeze before adding the sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this recipe doubles well and is ideal for feeding large groups.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Yes, both work well and produce a lighter version of the dish.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of vinegar for balance.
What can I serve these meatballs with?
They pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Use about ½ teaspoon granulated garlic per clove.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce?
Cook it briefly on medium heat and stir constantly before adding the remaining ingredients.
Can I bake the meatballs at a lower temperature?
You can bake at 375°F, but they may require a few extra minutes.
How do I store leftover sauce?
Store any extra sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs are a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with incredible tenderness in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, parties, and weeknight dinners, this versatile recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick, satisfying meal any time.
Tender baked beef meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep, these meatballs deliver bold flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
