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football party honey garlic meatballs - featured image

Football Party Honey Garlic Meatballs


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A scaled-down recipe for sticky, savory honey garlic meatballs perfect for one or two people, ensuring no leftovers and minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20 fat content)
  • 1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs; let sit for 1 minute to soak.
  2. Add ground beef, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Roll mixture into 8-10 small balls, about 1.5 inches each.
  4. Cook meatballs using one of the following methods: Air Fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes (flipping halfway), Skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes (turning frequently), or Oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes (flipping halfway). Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. While meatballs cook, whisk honey, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and bubble for 2 minutes.
  7. Stir cornstarch slurry until smooth and pour into simmering sauce. Stir constantly until thickened (30-60 seconds).
  8. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat. Optionally, return to air fryer for 1 minute to set glaze.
  9. Serve immediately with toothpicks.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Use a thermometer to ensure beef reaches 165°F. For a spicy version, add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes. Meatballs can be frozen raw and cooked from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cook time.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 meatballs per serv
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 14
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, football party food, small batch recipes, air fryer meatballs, game day snacks, single serving recipes