These glazed meatballs are a delightful combination of savory and sweet that bring back warm memories of family gatherings and potlucks in the heart of the Midwest. Meatballs are such a versatile dish; they’re perfect for everything from a quick weekday dinner to a fancy appetizer for a party. The glossy, sticky glaze makes these meatballs a standout dish, both visually and flavor-wise. They’re quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests without too much effort.
These glazed meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving them with some fluffy mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice to soak up the extra sauce. A crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can provide a nice freshness to balance the rich flavors of the meatballs. If you’re hosting a party, simply arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a stylish and easy-to-eat appetizer.
Sticky Glazed Meatballs
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Toothpicks for serving
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
In the same skillet, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, turning to coat each one in the glaze. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and insert a toothpick into each for easy serving. Enjoy!
Variations & Tips
For a different flavor profile, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a bit of heat, or substitute the brown sugar with honey for a different kind of sweetness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all your sauces are gluten-free as well. For a little extra umami, toss in a spoonful of hoisin sauce to the glaze.