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To make these tasty meatballs, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste These ingredients help create juicy meatballs full of flavor. You can mix and match to suit your taste. The glaze is what brings these meatballs to life. You will need: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat) This sweet and savory sauce adds a delightful finish to your meatballs. You can change some ingredients based on your needs or what you have at home: - Ground beef can switch to ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat. - Breadcrumbs might be swapped with crushed crackers or oats. - If you lack Parmesan cheese, try any hard cheese or skip it altogether. - Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet flavor. These swaps let you explore new tastes while keeping the recipe easy and fun. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for nice, even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and keeps the meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Add in the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix. Be gentle to avoid tough meatballs. You want a nice, smooth mixture. Now it's time to shape your meatballs. Take a portion of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each ball. This allows them to cook evenly. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and reach the right temperature—160°F (70°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the glaze. In a small saucepan, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Heat this over medium-low heat, stirring often. You want the honey to melt and blend well with the other ingredients. Once your meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the honey garlic glaze over the hot meatballs. Gently toss them to coat evenly in the sauce. This adds so much flavor! Serve the glazed meatballs warm. You can put them on a nice platter or keep them in the bowl for a casual look. If you want, drizzle extra glaze on top for a pretty touch. For a full meal, serve them over rice or noodles. They are also great as appetizers with toothpicks! To keep your meatballs moist, use ground beef or turkey with some fat. Fat adds flavor and keeps them juicy. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and keep the meatballs tender. You can also mix in grated cheese for extra richness. Lastly, do not overcook them. Baking until they are just done will keep them soft. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic and herbs. Fresh parsley adds a bright taste. Consider adding spices like onion powder or smoked paprika. These can make your meatballs more exciting. For a sweet touch, mix in a bit of brown sugar. It contrasts nicely with the honey glaze. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth. Be gentle when mixing your meatball ingredients. Overmixing can make them tough. Combine the ground meat with breadcrumbs and seasonings just until they come together. Use your hands or a fork for this. It's okay if some bits stay loose. Shaping them will help the meatballs hold together while baking. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat for Healthier Options: Opt for ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of these meatballs, reducing fat while keeping the flavor intact. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid tough meatballs. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: Feel free to modify the honey and soy sauce ratio in the glaze to achieve your preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness. Experiment with Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding different fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the meatball mixture for a unique twist. {{image_4}} I love using ground turkey in these meatballs. It adds a leaner twist while still keeping the flavor. Ground turkey has less fat than beef, making it a healthier choice. The method stays the same. Just swap the ground beef for turkey. You will still get that sweet and savory taste from the honey garlic glaze! For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Both changes keep the dish tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive friends. You can find gluten-free breadcrumbs at most grocery stores. This small swap allows everyone to enjoy these meatballs without worry. You can make these meatballs even better by adding veggies! Grated carrots or finely chopped spinach blend well into the meat mixture. They boost nutrition while keeping the meatballs moist. If you want to switch proteins, try ground chicken or pork. Each brings a unique flavor that pairs well with the honey garlic glaze. You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in your fridge. Make sure the meatballs cool first before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They will stay good for up to three months. To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. If using the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about one minute, checking to make sure they stay moist. Optionally, drizzle some extra honey garlic glaze on top for a fresh taste! Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs warm. You can place them on a nice platter or bowl. For fun, use toothpicks. This makes them easy to grab as appetizers. You can also serve them over rice or noodles for a full meal. Garnish with fresh parsley to make them look pretty. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Let them cool and then store in the fridge. You can keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat and add the glaze. Honey Garlic Meatballs go great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Cooked noodles - Roasted vegetables - Fresh salad - Garlic bread These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs. To adjust the spice level, add or remove crushed red pepper flakes. For a mild glaze, skip the flakes. If you want heat, add more flakes to the sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for more spice. Taste the glaze as you go to get it just right. Honey garlic glazed meatballs are simple and tasty. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips. Using honey, garlic, and different meats gives you many choices. Keep your meatballs moist and flavorful. You can also store and reheat them easily. Try out the variations and find your favorite combo. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with others!

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

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, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Roll the meat mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey).
  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low, stirring until the honey is melted and the sauce is blended.
  • Transfer the baked meatballs to a large bowl, drizzle the honey garlic glaze over them, and gently toss to coat.
  • Serve the glazed meatballs warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for presentation. Serve with toothpicks or over rice/noodles.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs