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
- In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs; let sit for 1 minute to soak.
- Add ground beef, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into 8-10 small balls, about 1.5 inches each.
- 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.
- While meatballs cook, whisk honey, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and bubble for 2 minutes.
- Stir cornstarch slurry until smooth and pour into simmering sauce. Stir constantly until thickened (30-60 seconds).
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat. Optionally, return to air fryer for 1 minute to set glaze.
- 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