Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky-sweet, savory sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sticky, sweet, and savory glaze everyone loves
• Simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Versatile—serve as an appetizer or main course
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Easily customizable for different proteins or spice levels

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 pork, turkey, or chicken)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the honey garlic glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs bake, make the glaze: In a skillet, heat butter/oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and ketchup. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens more and meatballs are well-glazed.
8. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 (as main), 12 (as appetizer)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef
• Add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick
• Make them gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari
• Serve over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or in a hoagie roll
• Try store-bought frozen meatballs for an even quicker version

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, in a 350°F oven, or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out
• For best texture, reheat in an air fryer or oven

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, just bake or heat them as directed and then toss in the glaze.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely—store well and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead meals.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Use a larger pan or bake in batches.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet and savory glaze is usually a hit with kids.

How do I prevent dry meatballs?

Don’t overbake and use a mix of meat with some fat (like 80/20 ground beef or adding a bit of pork).

Can I make them without breadcrumbs?

You can use rolled oats or crushed crackers as a substitute.

What should I serve these with?

Great with white or fried rice, noodles, steamed veggies, or in sliders.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, bake or brown the meatballs, then add them and the sauce to a slow cooker on low for 4–5 hours.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk alternative and oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a satisfying main dish, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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