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Cozy, Sticky-Sweet Meatballs the Whole Family Will Devour

These Honey Garlic Meatballs are one of my favorite got to recipes, zero stress, max flavor, and picky-eater approved, which I am always looking for recipes the whole family loves. I’ve been making them for years and they always hit the spot. Whether I need a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty party appetizer, these sticky meatballs save the day every time.

I first made these on one of those chaotic nights, you know the kind, everyone’s hungry, the baby’s clinging to my leg, and I forgot to thaw anything for dinner. I tossed some frozen meatballs in a baking dish, whisked together what I had on hand, and hoped for the best. And oh my goodness… the smell coming from the oven had everyone peeking their heads into the kitchen. It’s been a favorite ever since, easy, cozy, and so dang good over a bowl of fluffy rice.

They start with frozen meatballs (hello, shortcut!) and bake up in a glossy, sticky-sweet sauce made from pantry staples like honey, ketchup, garlic, and soy sauce. The flavor is that perfect combo of sweet, savory, and garlicky with just enough richness to spoon over a pile of rice or mashed potatoes which is my favorite part. By the way your kitchen will smell amazing.

And did I mention you can prep these easy meatballs in 5 minutes flat? They seriously take no time to throw together and that is important to me when I am busy with the kids.  I need easy, quick dinners and it does not get any easier than these meatballs. 

What Are Honey Garlic Meatballs?

Honey Garlic Meatballs are tender meatballs coated in a sweet, garlicky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. They’re baked until caramelized and sticky, perfect served over rice or as an easy appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sticky-sweet and full of flavor

• Just 5 minutes of prep

• Family-approved, even by picky eaters

• Great over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes

• Made with frozen meatballs and pantry ingredients

• Doubles as an easy party appetizer

When to Serve Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Busy weeknights when you need dinner fast

• Potlucks, game day parties, or casual get-togethers

• Meal prep Sundays (they reheat like a dream!)

• Holiday appetizer spreads

• When your dinner rotation needs something new and easy

Ingredients 

• Frozen Meatballs:  The shortcut hero of this recipe, use beef, turkey, or chicken, whichever your crew loves best.  I tend to use a homestyle meatball because it doesn’t have strong flavors to compete with that amazing sauce.
• Honey: Adds that sticky-sweet glaze and balances the savory flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and gives the sauce a slight molasses warmth.
• Ketchup: Brings a tangy, tomatoey base and pairs perfectly with garlic and honey.
• Lite Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, make sure to use lite so it’s not too salty.
• Garlic: Fresh is best here! The garlic gets mellow and savory in the oven.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a little crunch, optional but pretty.
• Scallions or Parsley: Brightens everything up at the end with a pop of freshness.

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs

If you’re using plain frozen meatballs, you don’t even need to thaw them first, just toss ‘em straight in! The sauce does all the heavy lifting, soaking into every bite as they bake. And if you want that super glossy, caramelized look, let them go a few extra minutes at the end uncovered. The sauce thickens and gets that irresistible sticky texture. I like to sprinkle on sesame seeds and scallions while they’re hot so they kind of melt into the glaze. It’s the little things that make it feel extra special.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Mix the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.

3. Toss the Meatballs – Add frozen meatballs to a large bowl, pour in the sauce, and stir to coat them well.

4. Bake – Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the meatballs are caramelized and heated through.

5. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions or parsley. Serve hot!

Substitutions

• Meatballs – Swap in turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs.

• Honey – Maple syrup works in a pinch.

• Ketchup – Try chili sauce for a little kick.

• Soy Sauce – Use coconut aminos or tamari if gluten-free.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

• Slow Cooker Version – Toss everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

• Asian-Inspired – Add grated ginger and a splash of rice vinegar.

• Hawaiian Style – Toss in some pineapple chunks before baking!

Tips & Tricks

• Spray your baking dish with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.

• Stir the meatballs halfway through baking for even caramelization.

• Use a garlic press to make prep even faster.

• Want extra sauce? Just double the recipe and bake it in a deeper dish! It’s great for soaking into rice or even mopping up with crusty bread.

• These also work beautifully in a slow cooker if you’re feeding a crowd or keeping them warm for a party.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just brown them first before baking in the sauce to help them hold their shape.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine everything and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, just freeze in an airtight container with the sauce for up to 2 months.

Serving Ideas

• Over white or brown rice

• On top of mashed potatoes

• Stuffed into hoagie rolls for sticky meatball subs

• With a side of steamed broccoli or green beans

• As toothpick appetizers for parties

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Did you make these STICKY HONEY GARLIC MEATBALLS, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

These Honey Garlic Meatballs are one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. Simple, delicious, and always a hit, just the way I like dinner to be. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or showing up to a party with something crowd-pleasing, these meatballs have your back. 

Sometimes the best dinners are the simplest ones. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something that everyone will rave about. These Honey Garlic Meatballs are proof of that. Keep a bag of meatballs in the freezer and a bottle of honey in the pantry, and you’ll always have a delicious backup plan.

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• Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

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• Firecracker Chicken

• Crock Pot Steak and Potatoes