Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs That Are Sweet and Savory

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting. These slow cooker meatballs simmer in a rich honey garlic sauce that turns thick and glossy as it cooks. The turkey stays tender and juicy while the sauce clings to every bite. If you need an easy dinner or a crowd pleasing appetizer, Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs deliver bold flavor with very little effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are one of those recipes I make when I want something simple but packed with flavor. I love how the slow cooker does most of the work while the meatballs soak up that sweet and savory sauce. The honey and garlic blend together into a glossy glaze that clings to every bite.

What makes Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs even better is how versatile they are. I can serve them over rice for dinner, tuck them into lettuce wraps, or set them out as an appetizer for guests. They always disappear fast.

Ingredients For The Best Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Ingredient	Amount
Ground turkey	1 lb
Breadcrumbs	1/2 cup
Egg	1
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
Honey	1/3 cup
Low sodium soy sauce	1/4 cup
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Ketchup	1 tablespoon
Cornstarch	1 teaspoon
Water	1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Mix the meatball base
Add ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix gently until everything just comes together. Do not overmix or the meatballs can turn dense.

Step 2: Shape the meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, even meatballs. Aim for similar size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Add meatballs to the slow cooker
Place the meatballs in a single layer if you can. If you need to stack, keep the layers loose so sauce can flow between them.

Step 4: Whisk the honey garlic sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup until smooth.

Step 5: Coat the meatballs
Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Gently stir or spoon sauce over the top so they get well coated.

Step 6: Slow cook until tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meatballs cook through and feel tender.

Step 7: Thicken the sauce
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. During the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Let the sauce thicken into a glossy, sticky glaze.

Step 8: Serve
Spoon Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs onto a plate or into bowls and drizzle extra sauce on top.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Every Time

To keep Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs tender and juicy, handle the ground turkey gently. Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs firm instead of soft and moist. Because turkey is leaner than beef, careful mixing makes a big difference in texture.

Make sure the meatballs are uniform in size. Evenly shaped meatballs cook at the same rate and absorb the honey garlic sauce evenly. Smaller meatballs also develop more surface area, which allows the sticky glaze to cling better.

For deeper flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil before placing them in the slow cooker. While this step is optional, it adds caramelized edges and gives Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs extra richness. However, if you prefer a true dump-and-go recipe, you can skip this step and still get delicious results.

When it is time to thicken the sauce, stir the cornstarch slurry in gently and allow it to cook fully. Keep the lid on so the sauce thickens evenly. The glaze should turn glossy and coat the meatballs beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of warm water to loosen it without diluting the flavor.

For even more flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness of the honey. These small additions can enhance the sweet and savory contrast that makes Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs so satisfying.

Serving Ideas for Dinner, Meal Prep, or Appetizers

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs make an excellent weeknight dinner when served over steamed white rice or brown rice. The sticky honey garlic glaze soaks into the rice and creates a balanced, filling meal. You can also serve them over jasmine rice or even quinoa for a slightly different texture.

If you prefer a lighter option, serve the meatballs inside crisp lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and sliced green onions. The fresh crunch pairs perfectly with the rich sauce. You can also add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side for extra color and nutrition.

For meal prep, portion Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs into containers with rice and vegetables. They reheat well and maintain their flavor for several days. The sauce thickens slightly in the refrigerator, which makes the glaze even more pronounced.

If you plan to serve them as an appetizer, transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and drizzle extra sauce on top. Insert toothpicks and sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a polished presentation. Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are always a crowd favorite at gatherings because they deliver bold flavor in bite-sized portions.

Storing and Reheating Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Storing Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs store beautifully, which makes them perfect for leftovers or weekly meal prep. Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Storing them while still warm can create excess moisture and thin out the sauce.

Keep the meatballs and sauce together in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The honey garlic glaze will thicken slightly as it sits, which actually makes the flavor even richer the next day.

If you plan to freeze Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs, place them in freezer-safe containers with enough sauce to keep them coated. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Without Drying Them Out

To reheat Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs, warm them gently so they stay tender. On the stovetop, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a small splash of water if the glaze feels too thick.

In the microwave, heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each round. Cover loosely to help retain moisture. The sauce should return to a glossy, sticky texture once warmed through.

Avoid high heat, since turkey can dry out quickly. Gentle reheating keeps Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs juicy and flavorful.

If you enjoy slow cooker meatballs, you should also try this Crockpot Marry Me Meatballs recipe for another rich and comforting dinner idea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs deliver the perfect mix of sweet and savory in one easy slow cooker recipe. The turkey stays tender while the honey garlic sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats every bite.

Whether you serve them for dinner, meal prep, or as an appetizer, Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs offer bold flavor with minimal effort. Once you try them, they may become one of your favorite go to slow cooker recipes.

Print