Published: July 8, 2025 |
Last Updated: July 8, 2025 |
Prep Time: See recipe below

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are one of those recipes I always turn to when I need something quick, satisfying, and totally delicious. I remember the first time I made these; my little sister was home from college, craving something comforting but healthier than our usual takeout. I whipped up a batch of these, and the smell of garlic and honey filled the kitchen – it was heavenly! My secret? A touch of apple cider vinegar in the sauce to balance the sweetness. These juicy meatballs are great served over rice or pasta. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll sneak a few straight from the pan! This easy recipe for honey garlic glazed turkey meatballs is also great for meal prepping. Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

• The sweet and savory flavor combo is seriously addictive—trust me!
• They’re quick and easy to make, optimal for those busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner.
• These are a healthier alternative to beef meatballs without sacrificing any flavor.
• They’re budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Super versatile! Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or as the main course for dinner.
• Kid-friendly and family-approved—even the picky eaters will gobble them up!
• That delicious glaze caramelizes beautifully, making them look as good as they taste.
• They’re great for meal prepping; make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week long.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

• 1 pound ground turkey (I always go for lean ground turkey for a healthier twist, but any kind works!)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Whole wheat breadcrumbs are my go-to; they add the just right texture and help bind everything together.)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated Parmesan? Trust me, it makes all the difference. Adds such a lovely flavor and keeps the meatballs moist.)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (Yellow or white onion, finely chopped, gives that savory base we all crave.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here! It’s what gives these meatballs that mouthwatering aroma and flavor.)
• 1 large egg (This is your binder, making sure those meatballs hold their beautiful shape as they cook.)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (I prefer low sodium – just a dash to add that umami depth.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (A must to bring out all the delicious flavors!)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground black pepper for that little kick!)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Adds such a warm, earthy note to the mix.)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (This just complements the oregano so perfectly, rounding out the herbal flavors.)
• 1/4 cup honey (Hello, sweetness! This is key for that sticky, delicious glaze.)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (Adds tanginess and color to our striking sauce.)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (This is my secret weapon! Cuts through the sweetness and adds a ideal zing.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (For cooking – just enough to keep things from sticking and add a touch of flavor.)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish, because we eat with our eyes too! Adds freshness and a pop of color.)

How to Make Delicious Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Make sure you really get in there and mix it well, so everything’s evenly distributed.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl. Oh, that garlicky smell! It’s already making my mouth water, and your kitchen is about to smell extraordinary!
3. Step 3: Crack the egg right into the mixture. This little guy is the key to holding everything together.
4. Step 4: Now, pour in the soy sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. All these seasonings are going to build such a flavorful base for our honey garlic glazed turkey meatballs.
5. Step 5: Mix until just combined. This is important: don’t overmix! Trust me, overmixing leads to tough meatballs, and we want them tender and juicy.
6. Step 6: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. I like to use slightly wet hands – it prevents the mixture from sticking and makes the process so much easier.
7. Step 7: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait for the oil to shimmer; that’s how you know it’s ready for the meatballs.
8. Step 8: Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Listen for that lovely sizzle as they cook – that’s the sound of deliciousness happening!
9. Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. This is where the magic happens – get ready for that signature honey garlic sauce!
10. Step 10: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Make sure every single meatball is coated evenly in that luscious sauce.
11. Step 11: Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are beautifully glazed. The sauce will become glossy and sticky, clinging to the meatballs like a dream.
12. Step 12: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. The parsley adds a pop of fresh flavor and a vibrant color that really elevates the dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Want to take your honey garlic turkey meatballs to the next level? Here are a few secrets I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce! A little sriracha adds a fantastic kick. Also, resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; giving the turkey meatballs space ensures they brown beautifully. Finally, for extra-tender meatballs, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the meat mixture. Trust me; these little tweaks make a world of difference in this delicious homemade turkey dessert!

What’s the secret to excellent Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs?

It’s all about the meat! Don’t use super lean ground turkey; a little bit of fat keeps them moist and flavorful. I aim for around 85% lean.

Can I make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs ahead of time?

Honestly! These are fantastic for meal prep. Cook them completely, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in a skillet or microwave.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs?

The biggest mistake is overmixing the meat mixture. Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing will result in tough, dry meatballs, and nobody wants that!

Best Ways to Serve Your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

These honey garlic turkey meatballs are so versatile! For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, I love serving them over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta. The sweet and savory sauce coats every grain or noodle perfectly. If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re also fantastic in sliders on mini Hawaiian rolls. Trust me, yet you serve these little guys, they’re sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts for Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information per serving (about 4 meatballs). You’re looking at approximately 250 calories, with around 12g of fat, including 3g of saturated fat, 7g of unsaturated fat, and 0g of trans fat. You’ll also get a good dose of 20g of protein, about 15g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and 12g of sugar. The sodium clocks in around 500mg, and there’s about 80mg of cholesterol. This is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your honey garlic turkey meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them! Spread the cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, microwave them (though they might get a little softer), or bake them in a 350°F oven until heated through. No matter how you reheat them, they’ll still be impressive!

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Really! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You can also use ground beef or even a plant-based ground, though the cooking time might vary slightly. What about ground pork? Yes that would work too!

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs from drying out?

The key is to not overcook them! Cook them just until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Also, make sure your ground turkey isn’t too lean. A little bit of fat helps keep them moist. Adding some grated zucchini to the mix also works wonders for adding moisture. What if I accidentally overcook them? Don’t fret! Just toss them in the honey garlic sauce and let them simmer a bit longer to rehydrate.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying them?

Definitely! Baking is a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Then, toss them in the honey garlic sauce. Do I need to adjust the baking time for smaller meatballs? Yes, you’ll want to reduce the baking time by a few minutes if you make them smaller. Should I flip them halfway through? Flipping isn’t necessary, but it can help them brown more evenly.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

No problem! You can substitute it with white vinegar or even lemon juice. The apple cider vinegar adds a distinctive tang, but the other options will still provide the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey. Can I use balsamic vinegar? I wouldn’t recommend balsamic, as it has a much stronger flavor that might overpower the other ingredients.

Variations of Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs You Can Try

• Vegan: Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use maple syrup instead of honey, and tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. They’re still packed with flavor!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder. Double-check that your soy sauce or tamari is also gluten-free. You won’t miss the gluten, promise!
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a dash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce. It’ll give these turkey meatballs a charming kick!
• Baked Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs: For a healthier twist, bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying. They’re just as delicious and a bit lighter on the oil!

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs: One Unforgivable Sin

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• Author: Jannet Lisa
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. They are perfect as an appetizer or a main course.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl.
3. Crack the egg into the mixture.
4. Pour in soy sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
5. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.
10. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the skillet.
11. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are glazed.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce.
• Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
• Meatballs can be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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About the Author

Jannet Lisa is a certified culinary professional with over 10 years of experience in recipe development and food styling. She has worked with major food brands and her recipes have been featured in various culinary publications.

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