These easy honey garlic meatballs are one of those family dinners that everyone loves. Tender, juicy meatballs that are coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce that’s perfect over rice or mashed potatoes. You can make them on the stovetop, bake them in the oven, or prep and freeze them for an easy crockpot dinner later. You can sear the meatballs in a pan and finish them right in the sauce, bake them in the oven and toss them in the sauce, or make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy crockpot meal.
0 Pan-Searing Method:
1 Add the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to a bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the meatballs stay tender.
2 Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1–1 1/2 inches in diameter.
15 Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the meatballs and sear on all sides, turning as needed, until browned and cooked through.
4 While the meatballs cook, whisk together the honey, ketchup, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.
5 Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs and gently toss to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meatballs.
6 Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Oven-Baked Method:
8 Prepare and shape the meatballs as directed above. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 13-16 minutes, or until cooked through.
9 While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with the sauce. For an extra sticky glaze, you can return the sauced meatballs to the oven for another 3–5 minutes.
Freezer + Crockpot Method:
11 Prepare the meatballs according to the recipe, and proceed to bake them as the directions above. Place the cooked and fully cooled meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
12 When ready to cook, place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic sauce over top. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Gently stir once or twice during cooking if desired.
13 TIP: I highly suggest doubling the sauce if you like your meatballs saucy and want some extra sauce. Enjoy!
