Honey Garlic Meatballs

Posted on April 25, 2026

Plate of honey garlic meatballs served with a drizzle of sauce

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Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Why Make This Recipe

Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect dish for many occasions. They are flavorful, tender, and easy to make. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a sauce that is hard to resist. This recipe is great for family dinners, parties, or even as a tasty appetizer. Plus, they can be made in a slow cooker, freeing up your time for other things.

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs

Making Honey Garlic Meatballs is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to prepare a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Serve as an appetizer or over rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatballs

Honey Garlic Meatballs can be served in different ways. One popular option is to serve them over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a tasty appetizer. Adding some chopped green onions on top gives a fresh crunch and bright color.

How to Store Honey Garlic Meatballs

If you have leftover meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Place the meatballs in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs

  • For extra flavor, consider adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture.
  • Make sure to not overcrowd the slow cooker; leave space for the meatballs to cook evenly.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Variation

You can easily switch up this recipe by using ground chicken or pork. Each type of meat will give a different flavor to the meatballs. You can also experiment with additional spices like ginger for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef. Each will give a unique flavor to the meatballs.

Can I cook these in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.

Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious and tender honey garlic meatballs that are perfect for family dinners, parties, or as an appetizer. Easy to prepare, with flavors of sweet honey and savory garlic.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if desired.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions For garnish when serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
Serving
  1. Serve as an appetizer or over rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For extra flavor, add chopped herbs to the meat mixture. Do not overcrowd the slow cooker.

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