My kids are picky eaters and sometimes turn their noses up at anything green or spicy, but in this Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes recipe, the balance of sweet and savory in the honey garlic sauce is gentle enough to appeal to them, and the creamy mashed potatoes make it easy for even the youngest to enjoy every bite without fuss. I love seeing them come back for seconds, and it’s satisfying to watch them finish a meal that’s also full of flavor.

I have tried many meatball recipes over the years, but I use a combination of ground beef and breadcrumbs to make them tender and flavorful. Always mix gently with a spoon or your hands, just enough to combine ingredients. This keeps the meatballs soft and juicy, which pairs perfectly with the rich honey garlic glaze.

You can serve this dish right from the skillet or plate it beautifully on a platter. Some fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds color, and it’s also delightful with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. For extra indulgence, a little extra honey garlic sauce drizzled over the mashed potatoes makes every bite comforting and rich.

Its Perfect For:

• Family weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping for the week
• Cozy weekend lunches
• Celebratory small gatherings
• Introducing kids to new flavors

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the honey garlic sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup milk (warm)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl for meatball mixture
• Baking sheet or skillet for cooking meatballs
• Saucepan for honey garlic sauce
• Pot for boiling potatoes
• Potato masher or fork for mashing
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

Step 1

Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (if using). Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.

Step 2

Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet, ready for cooking.

Step 3

Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.

Step 4

Make the honey garlic sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, bringing it to a gentle simmer. If you want a thicker, glossy sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Coat the meatballs: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently in the honey garlic sauce until each meatball is fully coated and glistening. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6

Prepare the mashed potatoes: While the meatballs are cooking, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

Serve: Plate a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, top with the honey garlic meatballs, and drizzle extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

• Use room temperature ingredients. Mixing meatballs with cold milk or eggs can make them tough. I always let everything sit a few minutes before combining.
• Don’t overmix meatball mixture. Too much handling makes the meatballs dense. Gently fold ingredients just until combined.
• Make meatballs uniform in size. This ensures even cooking. I usually roll them about 1½ inches wide.
• Brown meatballs before baking or saucing. It adds flavor and prevents them from falling apart. I sear them in a hot skillet for 6–8 minutes.
• Let sauce simmer gently. High heat can burn the garlic. I prefer low to medium heat for 3–4 minutes to thicken perfectly.
• Use warm milk for mashed potatoes. Cold milk cools the potatoes and makes them less creamy. I heat milk slightly before adding it to the mash.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Honey garlic sauce may need a pinch more salt or soy sauce. I always do a final taste before serving.

Optional Ingredients

• Grated Parmesan cheese in meatballs for extra flavor
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Minced onion in the meatball mixture
• A dash of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
• Butter or cream for richer mashed potatoes
• Garlic powder for a deeper garlic flavor

How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

I like to serve these meatballs straight from the skillet while the honey garlic sauce is still warm and glossy. Plating starts with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, creating a soft and creamy base that will soak up the delicious sauce. I then arrange 4–5 meatballs on top and drizzle extra sauce over everything for that rich, shiny finish.

I often add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Broccoli, green beans, or baby carrots not only add color but also make the meal more balanced. I also like sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. It makes the dish feel more festive and visually appealing, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

I sometimes serve this meal with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce. It’s comforting, hearty, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. I also enjoy making a little extra sauce on the side for dipping, so everyone can add more sweetness and garlic flavor if they like.

I find that serving this dish with a small bowl of extra sauce makes it feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home. Kids love dipping the meatballs or mashing them into the potatoes, and adults enjoy the rich layers of flavor. I also sometimes add a squeeze of lemon over the vegetables or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to give the dish a fresh finish.

Is Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes Healthy?

In moderation, yes. The dish contains protein from the meatballs and carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes, giving a balanced meal. Using lean ground beef or turkey and limiting butter and sugar can make it healthier while keeping flavor intact.

It’s also possible to boost its nutritional value with added vegetables on the side. Steamed or roasted vegetables can complement the meal, providing fiber and vitamins while keeping it a well-rounded dinner option. You can also reduce the sugar in the sauce slightly or substitute honey with a lower-calorie sweetener for a lighter version.

Variations and Substitutions

• Ground Turkey Meatballs: Use turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. Cook slightly longer as turkey takes a bit more time. Keep the seasoning strong for flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatballs tender but safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The heat pairs well with the sweet honey glaze and adds a kick.
• Cheesy Meatballs: Stuff each meatball with mozzarella or cheddar cubes. When baked, the cheese melts inside for a gooey surprise.
• Mashed Cauliflower: Swap potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb version. It’s creamy and blends nicely with the honey garlic sauce.
• Oven-Baked Only: Skip frying and bake meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes. Toss with sauce after baking for less oil use.
• Extra Garlic: Add an extra clove of garlic to the sauce. This gives a more intense garlic flavor without overpowering sweetness.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker for 2–3 hours. The flavors meld beautifully, and meatballs stay tender.

How to Store, How to Reheat

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mashed potatoes are best kept in a separate container to maintain texture. Keep them covered to prevent drying out.

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat until simmering. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to restore creaminess. Serve immediately for best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge. Cook just before serving to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze meatballs and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

Can I use chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef?
Yes, any ground meat works. Turkey and chicken may need slightly longer cooking to stay moist. Pork adds extra richness, so adjust seasonings as needed.

Can I make mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, swap butter and milk with olive oil or plant-based milk. You can also add a little garlic powder or nutritional yeast for extra flavor. The texture will stay creamy and smooth.

Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Try this easy Honey Garlic Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes recipe! Juicy meatballs in sweet garlic sauce paired with creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for family dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

• For the honey garlic sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

• For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1/4 cup milk (warm)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (if using). Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.
• Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet, ready for cooking.
• Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
• Make the honey garlic sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, bringing it to a gentle simmer. If you want a thicker, glossy sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
• Coat the meatballs: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently in the honey garlic sauce until each meatball is fully coated and glistening. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Prepare the mashed potatoes: While the meatballs are cooking, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve: Plate a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, top with the honey garlic meatballs, and drizzle extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.