Go Back
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil These main ingredients create a hearty base for your dish. The ground meat provides protein, while the breadcrumbs add texture. Parmesan cheese enriches the flavors. Honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar form a sweet and tangy sauce that makes this dish shine. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for spice - 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced - 1 cup snap peas or tender green beans - Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for garnish You can spice things up with red pepper flakes. Fresh vegetables like bell pepper and snap peas add color and crunch. Garnishing with parsley or green onions gives a fresh finish. Adjust these optional ingredients to fit your taste. This flexibility makes each meal unique and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - In a large bowl, mix ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Use your hands to mix gently. This keeps the meatballs tender and not tough. - Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide. - Space them evenly on the baking sheet. - Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (74°C). To make the best meatballs, don’t overmix the meat. Mix until the ingredients come together. If you mix too much, your meatballs can become tough. Make each meatball the same size. Aim for about one inch in diameter. This helps them cook evenly. If one is larger, it may not cook through while smaller ones might dry out. Simmer the sauce to get the right thickness. Cook it gently over medium heat. If you cook it too fast, it may burn. Stir often and let it bubble softly for a few minutes. You can adjust the sauce’s taste. Add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness. If you like spice, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to get it just right. Serve the meatballs in a large, shallow bowl. Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce on top for a nice look. For side dishes, fluffy rice or quinoa is perfect. They soak up the sauce well. You can also add a fresh salad for a crunchy bite. For extra flavor, top with chopped parsley or sliced green onions. This adds color and freshness to your meal. Enjoy the delicious mix of sweet and savory! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried versions. Always opt for fresh when possible. Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste preference. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Experiment with Protein: Try using ground chicken or a meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just ensure that cooking times may vary depending on the protein used. One-Pan Wonder: For a complete meal, consider adding precooked rice or quinoa directly into the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking to soak up the sauce. {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef or turkey for ground chicken. Ground chicken makes a lighter meatball. If you prefer plant-based options, try lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them and mix with breadcrumbs. These options keep the dish hearty and flavorful. Want a spicier sauce? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a sweeter taste, increase the honey in the sauce. You can also use maple syrup for a different flavor. If you have dietary needs, swap soy sauce for coconut aminos. This keeps it gluten-free while still tasty. Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a fresh twist. You can also try broccoli or asparagus for more crunch. These swaps change the texture and color of your dish. Mix it up with what you have or what’s in season. After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool first. Place the meatballs and veggies in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Refrigerate them for up to three days. Using glass containers helps you see what’s inside. Plastic containers work too, but ensure they seal well. To reheat the meatballs, you have a few good options. The best method is to use the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water, and cover it. This keeps the meatballs moist. If you use the microwave, place the meatballs in a bowl. Add a touch of water and cover them. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying out. Freezing is a great way to save these meatballs for later. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the meatballs and sauce together or separately. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them as mentioned before. This way, the texture stays just right. Honey garlic meatballs last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them, bake, and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of sauce to keep them moist. You can serve honey garlic meatballs with fluffy rice or quinoa. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots work well too. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. For a heartier meal, serve with mashed potatoes or noodles. These sides balance the meal and enhance the flavors. This blog post covered everything you need to know about making honey garlic meatballs. We explored key ingredients, easy preparation steps, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. You learned about variations, from protein options to sauce adjustments, ensuring you can personalize your meatballs. Lastly, we discussed storing and reheating leftovers for the best taste. Now, you have all the tools to create a delicious meal your family will love. Enjoy the process and get creative in the kitchen!

Honey Garlic Meatball Skillet Delight

A delicious skillet dish featuring meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with vibrant vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas or tender green beans
  • for garnish chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until all ingredients are just combined; avoid overmixing.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, checking with a meat thermometer for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas (or green beans), sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and brighten in color.
  • Combine and Heat: Once the meatballs are ready, carefully add them to the skillet along with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss everything together to thoroughly coat the meatballs and vegetables in the sweet and savory sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve: Dish out the Honey Garlic Meatballs and vegetables onto plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, skillet