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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
