Are you looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal? The Sheet-Pan Honey Garlic Meatball Dinner is the perfect solution! This dish combines juicy meatballs with vibrant veggies, all roasted to perfection. In just one pan, you can create a tasty, hassle-free dinner the whole family will love. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that will make your next meal a hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
The main ingredients are key for flavor. Ground beef or turkey gives meatballs a solid base. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan keep them moist and tasty. Honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar make a sweet and tangy sauce.
Vegetables
– 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (any color you prefer)
– 1 large zucchini, sliced into half-moons
– 1 red onion, cut into wedges
The vegetables add color and nutrition. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Zucchini offers a mild taste and soft texture. Red onion adds a bit of sharpness to the dish.
Seasonings and Oils
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Seasonings boost the flavor. Garlic and onion powders make the meatballs pop. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Olive oil helps the veggies roast well and adds richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Sheet Pan
First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook everything evenly. To make cleanup easy, line your large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mixing the Meatball Ingredients
In a big bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef or turkey with the binders. Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. Toss in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to blend everything well. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on one half of the sheet pan.
Forming Meatballs and Arranging the Pan
Shape the meat mixture into small, round meatballs. You should have about 20 meatballs. Place them in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan. Make sure they have space to cook evenly.
Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce
For the sauce, grab a small bowl. Whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This mix will give the meatballs a sweet and savory flavor. Drizzle half of this sauce over the meatballs, covering them well.
Arranging Vegetables on the Sheet Pan
On the other side of the pan, spread out the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Use 1 bell pepper, 1 large zucchini, and 1 red onion. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil on the veggies, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss them gently to coat.
Roasting and Finalizing the Dish
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. The meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) inside, and the vegetables should become tender. After the time is up, take the pan out and drizzle the rest of the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and veggies. Return the pan to the oven for 5 more minutes. This will make everything nice and glazed. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Texture
To get the best meatball texture, mix your meat with the other ingredients well. The best mixture feels moist but not too wet. Use about one cup of breadcrumbs to help bind the meat. This keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
You can boost the flavor of your meatballs with a few spices. Consider adding:
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky taste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano for a herby flavor
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Feel free to experiment with other spices you enjoy!
Cooking Tips
It’s important to cook the meatballs until they reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results. This ensures that your meal is safe to eat. Check the internal temperature in the center of a meatball. Also, keep an eye on the veggies. They should be tender and nicely caramelized by the end of cooking.
Variations
Meat Options
You can use different meats for this dish. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. Ground turkey works well if you want a lighter meal. If you like chicken, try ground chicken instead. For a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. They make tasty meatballs too.
Vegetable Swaps
Feel free to swap the veggies based on what you have. Carrots add sweetness and crunch. Broccoli or cauliflower can add a nice texture. Asparagus or green beans can also work well. Just think about what is in season or what you enjoy most.
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options
If you need gluten-free meatballs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. Tamari is a great choice instead of soy sauce. For low-carb meals, skip the breadcrumbs. You can bind with eggs or ground nuts. This keeps the meatballs moist and tasty while fitting your diet.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To store your sheet-pan honey garlic meatball dinner, let it cool first. Place the meatballs and veggies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days. Make sure to keep the sauce separate if you can. This helps maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze the meatballs for later meals. Form the meatballs and cook them as the recipe states. Let them cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. This makes meal prep easy!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs and veggies in a baking dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, place servings on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy your meal like it’s fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just place them on the sheet pan as usual. You may need to increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add heat, try these options:
– Mix in red pepper flakes with the meatball mixture.
– Add sriracha to the honey garlic sauce.
– Use a spicy soy sauce for added kick.
Adjust to your taste, and enjoy the added flavor!
What to serve with sheet-pan meatballs?
You can serve these meatballs with:
– Steamed rice for a complete meal.
– Quinoa for a healthy twist.
– A fresh salad for a light side.
– Crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Choose what you like best!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs and veggies, then store them in the fridge. Assemble the pan before you cook. This makes for an easy dinner later!
What is the nutritional information for this recipe?
This recipe serves 4 and includes:
– About 350 calories per serving.
– 20g of protein from the meat.
– Healthy fats from olive oil.
– Fiber from the veggies.
Adjust ingredients for your dietary needs!
This recipe combines key ingredients, easy steps, and handy tips for delicious sheet-pan meatballs. You learned about the right meat, veggies, and seasonings to make this dish shine. With variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers, you can enjoy this meal anytime. Remember, cooking can be fun and flexible. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to find what you love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
