Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are basically my favorite weeknight dinner magic trick. You get home tired, look in the fridge, and see ground turkey staring back at you. Instead of panicking (been there), you can whip up a batch and have dinner done in no time. These are not your grandma’s bland meatballs either—think sweet, garlicky, and perfectly tender. The best part? They work for picky eaters and food lovers alike. If you’re into quick recipes like zesty lemon garlic chicken bites or have ever been obsessed with easy Swedish meatballs like I have, get ready for this one.
How to make healthy turkey meatballs
Healthy eating is so much easier when the food actually tastes good, am I right? That’s why these honey garlic turkey meatballs are always a win at my place. You only need some ground turkey, an egg, breadcrumbs (keep reading for gluten-free deets), a splash of milk, a heap of minced garlic, and your favorite honey. I like to add a dash of soy sauce for a salty twist—sometimes the low-sodium one, because my doctor side-eye haunts me. Wet your hands (thank me later, it stops sticking), roll them into balls about golf-ball size (horrible at sports but can eyeball a meatball), then line them up on a sheet pan.
Feel free to bake them for less mess. Pop them in a hot oven, and twentyish minutes later, you get golden, juicy bites. The honey garlic sauce? Honestly, I eyeball the measurements but it’s usually two spoonfuls of honey, more minced garlic than is strictly necessary, soy sauce, a tiny bit of water, and a little cornstarch to thicken things up. Whisk and simmer until shiny. When the meatballs are done, dunk them (or drizzle, whatever’s easier that night) in the sauce and toss around. That’s pretty much it. So easy, you could do this with your eyes closed (I mean, don’t, but you get it).
How to serve these baked turkey meatballs
So, you made these honey garlic turkey meatballs. Now what? It’s honestly a “choose your own adventure” situation.
- Want easy? Dump them over white rice or sticky jasmine rice and call it a day.
- Feeling fancy-ish? Slap them next to a bowl of stir-fried veggies.
- My kids fight over the leftovers so I put them into hoagie rolls with some crisp lettuce for instant subs.
- Oh, and toothpicks—they make killer appetizers if you need snacks for a party or a random Tuesday.
There’s also the surprising sidekick move: serve with garlic cheese bombs for major crowd-pleaser energy. Trust me, it always disappears.
Are these meatballs gluten free?
Let’s talk gluten. If you (or your cousin or whoever) needs their food totally gluten free, don’t panic. Just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs (they’re at every grocery store now, it’s wild) and check your soy sauce label—some sneaky ones sneak in wheat! Tamari works great too. I do this for my friend Laura and she swears you’d never know the difference. The honey, turkey, and egg combo stays exactly the same, so no need to overthink it. So yes, as long as your breadcrumbs and sauce are gluten free, you’re golden.
Recipe Tips
Alright, here’s the down-low after making these honey garlic turkey meatballs way too many times:
If your mixture feels too wet, toss in a tiny more breadcrumbs. But don’t go breadcrumb-happy or they’ll dry out (once made that mistake, never again). Don’t overbake them—set a timer! Your oven’s “just a few more minutes” is not your friend here. For extra flavor—add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce. It adds a zip without being weirdly sour.
One more thing: if you want meal prep bragging rights, double the batch and freeze half. Heat up with extra sauce and boom—weeknight hero status secured.
“Didn’t think my kids would touch turkey, but these vanished before I even got seconds. The honey garlic sauce is next-level tasty!” — Sam R.
More Easy Recipes to Try
Cooking doesn’t have to feel like a chore (although, some nights it absolutely does, I get it). Looking for inspiration to mix things up? You’ve got options!
I’m obsessed with garlic cheese bombs with pizza dough—so easy and so snackable, it’s borderline dangerous. And, if sweet endings are your vibe, the baked nectarines with cinnamon honey sauce are a total sleeper hit.
Honestly, most of these recipes take about as long as scrolling through your feed. Give one a shot next time you’re feeling like you need something new.
Common Questions
Can I use ground chicken if I don’t have turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken works just as well for this recipe. Go with what you have.
How should I store leftovers?
Stick them in an airtight container in the fridge—good for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave (or oven, if you’re feeling less lazy than me).
Do I have to bake, or can I fry these?
You can totally pan-fry them; just keep an eye so they don’t burn and get all sad. Baking is cleaner though.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
For sure! Use a bit less honey and a dash more soy sauce or add chili flakes if you like heat.
Can I freeze them after cooking?
Yes, and you should. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. To reheat, warm with sauce for best flavor.
Why These Meatballs Are My Weeknight Winner
There’s something downright satisfying about dinners that come together crazy fast and actually taste amazing. These honey garlic turkey meatballs never let me down. Whether you’ve got picky eaters or just zero patience for fuss, this recipe just works. And if you need more proof that this is a good move, check out Honey Garlic Baked Turkey Meatballs – Easy Dinner Recipe.
Still, every kitchen is different—maybe you’ll add your twist. Give it a try, mess it up, fix it, make it yours. I’d put money down that once you taste them, they’ll find their way into your regular rotation. Happy cooking, and stoked to hear if this one makes your weeknights a little less wild!
Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Delicious baked turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and garlicky honey sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp milk
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly.
- Wet your hands and roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a sheet pan and bake for about 20 minutes.
- In a saucepan, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch. Simmer until thickened.
- Dunk or drizzle the baked meatballs in the honey garlic sauce before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check soy sauce label for gluten-free options. For extra flavor, add rice vinegar to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Practically Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: turkey meatballs, quick dinner, healthy recipe, honey garlic sauce, weeknight meals