These tender, juicy meatballs are glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with a touch of heat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, pairing them with rice, or tossing them over noodles, they make a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers the ultimate combination of flavors — sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. The meatballs are baked to perfection, ensuring they stay tender inside while developing a light golden crust. The glossy honey garlic sauce coats them beautifully and comes together in just minutes. Plus, it’s an easy, family-friendly recipe you can whip up any day of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

For the Sauce

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Directions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form and bake
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the sauce
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Coat the meatballs
Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Let them simmer together for a couple of minutes to soak up the flavors.
Serve and enjoy
Serve the meatballs hot over steamed rice, noodles, or as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicier version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha for more heat.
Sweeter glaze: Stir in an extra tablespoon of honey for a richer sweetness.
Asian twist: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Turkey or chicken: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian option: Replace the meatballs with plant-based alternatives and follow the same sauce recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled meatballs (with sauce) for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and toss in the sauce before serving.

2. Can I use chicken instead of beef or turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken works perfectly and gives a lighter texture and flavor.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, add an extra ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and simmer for another minute.

4. What can I serve with honey garlic meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or even mashed potatoes.

5. Are these meatballs spicy?

They have a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking.

6. Can I cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking?

Yes, pan-fry them in a bit of oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

7. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Avoid overmixing the ingredients and make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg as binders.

8. Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can skip the homemade step — just heat the frozen meatballs and toss them in the sauce.

9. What type of honey works best?

Any pure, natural honey will work, but a darker honey adds a deeper flavor.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe doubles easily — just make sure your pan or baking sheet can handle the extra batch.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect combination of flavor and simplicity. The balance of savory meat, sweet honey, and a gentle kick of spice makes this dish irresistible for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner or a party snack, these meatballs will always be a crowd favorite.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs