Paleo Honey Garlic Meatballs (AIP) Recipe

Introduction

These Paleo Honey Garlic Meatballs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Tossed in a sticky, soy-free honey garlic sauce, they make a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 TBSP fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1.5 tsp sea salt
• Finely chopped basil, to garnish (optional)
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup coconut aminos
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• Pinch salt
• 1 TBSP tapioca starch + 2 TBSP water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with fresh basil, thyme, crushed garlic, diced onion, celery, and sea salt. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Bake the meatballs on the middle rack for 11 minutes until cooked through.
4. Step 4: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it begins to brown.
5. Step 5: Add honey, coconut aminos, and balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a boil. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine tapioca starch with water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the sauce in the skillet and continue stirring over heat until the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Lower the heat to a simmer and add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs and allow the sauce to thicken around them.
8. Step 8: Garnish with finely chopped basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form uniform meatballs for even cooking.
• If honey is sticky to measure, use a spatula to help remove it from the measuring cup.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat by warming them gently in the sauce on the stovetop.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes, this recipe contains no dairy and is suitable for Paleo and AIP diets as well.

Paleo Honey Garlic Meatballs (AIP) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Paleo Honey Garlic Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for those following AIP and Paleo diets. Tender beef meatballs are baked to perfection and then tossed in a sticky, gluten-free honey garlic sauce made with wholesome ingredients for a quick and delicious meal or appetizer that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 TBSP fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1.5 tsp sea salt
• Finely chopped basil, to garnish (optional)

Soy-Free, Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Sauce

• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup coconut aminos
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• Pinch salt
• 1 TBSP tapioca starch + 2 TBSP water (for slurry)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef with finely chopped fresh basil, thyme, crushed garlic, diced onion, celery, and sea salt. Using your hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake the meatballs for 11 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned.
3. Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it begins to brown and become fragrant. Stir in honey, coconut aminos, and balsamic vinegar, mixing well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine tapioca starch with water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the sauce in the skillet and continue whisking over heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Reduce the heat to a simmer and keep stirring.
5. Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Turn the heat up to medium and gently stir the meatballs, coating them evenly with the sauce. Allow the sauce to thicken further around the meatballs.
6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful appetizer or main dish.

Notes

• Use a tablespoon or an ice cream/cookie scoop to make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
• Use a spatula to help remove honey from the measuring cup to avoid sticky messes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking and Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Paleo meatballs,AIP recipe,Honey garlic sauce,Gluten free appetizers,Beef meatballs,Healthy meatballs,Paleo dinner,Sticky honey garlic meatballs