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Weeknight • Beef

Speedy Honey Garlic Meatballs with Rice

Quick homemade meatballs simmered in a sticky honey-garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Speedy Honey Garlic Meatballs with Rice

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight hero: Speedy Honey Garlic Meatballs! These tender, savory meatballs are coated in a luscious, sticky sauce that's both sweet and garlicky, making for an incredibly flavorful meal that comes together in a flash. Serve them over rice for a complete and utterly comforting dinner that the whole family will adore.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)

For Serving

  • Cooked rice
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don't overmix). Form into 1-inch meatballs.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. (They don't need to be fully cooked through yet).

  3. Step 3

    While meatballs brown, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) in a small bowl.

  4. Step 4

    Once meatballs are browned, pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

  5. Step 5

    Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

  6. Step 6

    Serve the honey garlic meatballs and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips

  • To avoid tough meatballs, be gentle and don't overmix the meat mixture.
  • If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, then add them to the sauce to simmer and thicken.
  • For a boost of veggies, steam some broccoli or green beans and toss them into the sauce with the meatballs before serving.

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