Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are easy to make, versatile, and healthier than traditional meatballs since they're baked instead of fried. The combination of honey and garlic in the sauce creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, making them irresistible. They also work well for meal prepping and are ideal for busy nights or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup finely diced onion

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don't overmix to avoid tough meatballs.

3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.

4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

6. Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken or lean beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.

• Swap the honey for maple syrup for a unique twist.

• For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef in place of turkey.

2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and combine them when you're ready to serve.

3. Are these meatballs spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.

4. Can I bake the meatballs without a baking sheet?

Yes, you can use a regular baking dish if you don’t have a baking sheet. Just be sure to grease the pan.

5. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs work just fine in this recipe.

6. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

7. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours after browning them in the oven.

8. Can I use a store-bought honey garlic sauce?

Sure! You can skip making the sauce from scratch and use store-bought honey garlic sauce as a shortcut.

9. What sides go best with these meatballs?

Serve them with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

10. Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, they freeze well. Just let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a simple yet delicious recipe that will become a favorite in your household. The sweet and savory flavors are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re easy to make and customize. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight meal or a gathering, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit!

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Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a sweet and savory treat made with lean turkey and coated in a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce. Baked for a healthier twist, these turkey meatballs are perfect for any occasion—whether as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish for dinner. Quick and easy to make, these meatballs are a family favorite that's sure to impress.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup finely diced onion

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

⅓ cup honey

¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)

For Garnish (Optional):

Sesame seeds

Chopped green onions

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

• In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

• Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet.

• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

• While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Bring to a simmer.

• Add cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce and stir until it thickens (2-3 minutes).

• Once meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Swap the honey for maple syrup for a different twist.

• You can make these ahead of time, storing the meatballs and sauce separately, then combining when ready to serve.

• These meatballs freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.