These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, offering a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey and baked instead of fried, they’re coated in a sticky homemade honey garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Great as a dinner entrée with rice or veggies, or served as an appetizer, these meatballs are quick to prep and crowd-pleasing every time.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup finely diced onion

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

Directions

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

2. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.

6. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.

7. Toss baked meatballs in the sauce until evenly coated.

8. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving – yields about 4 servings)

• Calories: ~290

• Protein: ~23g

• Fat: ~12g

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Sugar: ~10g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sodium: ~500mg

The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Health

What makes these turkey meatballs so special is their perfect balance of comfort and clean eating. Using ground turkey as the base keeps the dish lower in fat and calories while still providing a rich source of lean protein. Unlike traditional beef or pork meatballs, turkey brings a lightness that pairs beautifully with the bold, sweet, and salty honey garlic sauce. The flavor of the sauce seeps into the meatballs without overwhelming them, creating a savory glaze that’s both mouthwatering and nutritious.

A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite

These meatballs redefine what it means to enjoy comfort food. Instead of frying, they’re baked until golden, allowing excess fat to drain off while retaining moisture and flavor. This method is not only cleaner and easier, but it also creates a perfect texture—tender on the inside with just enough firmness on the outside. The simple use of everyday pantry ingredients like garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, and egg helps bind the meatballs without adding extra calories or artificial additives, making it a dish you can feel good about feeding your family.

The Star of the Show: Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is what takes this dish from ordinary to irresistible. It’s a glossy, flavorful glaze made with a short list of powerful ingredients—honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, garlic for a punch of flavor, and a hint of vinegar to balance everything out. A touch of sesame oil adds depth and an optional nutty finish, while the cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce clings beautifully to each meatball. The result is a coating that’s sticky, savory, and sweet in all the right ways, turning these simple meatballs into a standout dish.

Quick to Make, Easy to Love

Another reason this recipe stands out is its speed and simplicity. With a total prep and cook time of under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal. Everything comes together in a single bowl and a saucepan, with minimal cleanup required. Whether you’re making a large batch for meal prep or serving a crowd, the straightforward process ensures a stress-free cooking experience. Even novice cooks can master these meatballs with ease, making them a go-to dish in any household.

Versatility for Any Occasion

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a hearty meal, serve them over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice with stir-fried vegetables. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try pairing them with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps. These meatballs also shine as an appetizer—skewer them with toothpicks and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a crowd-pleasing party snack. They’re also perfect for lunchboxes or quick leftovers, easily reheated without losing their flavor or texture.

A Nutritional Profile That Delivers

In addition to being delicious and easy to prepare, these meatballs boast a solid nutritional profile. Each serving provides a generous amount of protein while keeping calories and fat content in check. The lean turkey offers all nine essential amino acids, while the garlic and onion bring antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory properties. The honey, used in moderation, satisfies your sweet tooth with a natural sugar source, and the soy sauce offers umami richness without requiring additional salt. It’s a well-rounded dish that aligns with many dietary goals, from weight management to clean eating.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

One of the best things about this recipe is how family-friendly it is. Kids love the slightly sweet flavor of the sauce, and parents love that it’s made with wholesome ingredients. The texture is easy to chew, the flavor is approachable, and the dish can be customized based on your family’s preferences. Whether you’re feeding toddlers or teens, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit. They’re also allergy-friendly, as you can easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or soy sauce alternatives like coconut aminos.

Make-Ahead and Meal-Prep Friendly

If you’re someone who plans meals ahead of time, Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a perfect candidate. You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake, or even freeze them raw or fully cooked for future use. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and serve. These meatballs are just as delicious the next day, making them ideal for batch cooking or preparing meals for the week.

Tips for Best Results Every Time

To get the most out of this recipe, be sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently—overmixing can lead to a dense texture. For uniform cooking, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form evenly sized balls. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. When making the sauce, be careful not to let it boil too vigorously; a gentle simmer allows it to thicken without burning the honey. If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer a little longer before tossing the meatballs.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a winning combination of nutrition, convenience, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, prepping meals for the week, or whipping up a party appetizer, this recipe delivers every time. With lean protein, simple ingredients, and a sticky-sweet sauce that’s absolutely crave-worthy, these meatballs are a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests—a truly versatile dish that belongs in every home cook’s recipe box. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.