Chef Mitchell preparing Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs recipe during my culinary school days when I was experimenting with various Asian flavors. It quickly became a favorite among my friends and family. Over the years, I've perfected the glaze to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and savory richness. I enjoy sharing this recipe as it brings smiles to everyone’s faces."

With over a decade of experience in Asian cuisine, I have a deep understanding of the flavors and techniques that make these dishes special. From street food to fine dining, I have created countless recipes that combine authentic ingredients with modern twists, particularly focusing on easy dinner solutions that cater to busy lifestyles.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs served on a plate

Why This Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs Recipe Works

This Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs recipe combines simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. The use of soy sauce and sesame oil adds an authentic Asian twist, while the glaze provides a delightful sweetness that complements the savory meat. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.

The technique of baking the meatballs ensures they remain juicy and tender, while the quick stovetop glaze infuses them with a burst of flavor. The combination of baking and glazing achieves perfectly cooked meatballs that are neither dry nor bland, making for a healthy and delicious dinner option.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, let the meatball mixture sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming and baking. This allows the ingredients to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the raw meatballs for up to 3 months and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. Each alternative will give a slightly different texture, but they will work well to bind the meatballs together. Just make sure to adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

You can check if the meatballs are done by using a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, you can cut one open to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Absolutely! Once cooked and glazed, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, making for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to add some crunch and balance out the flavors.

Cooked Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can make the meatballs up to two days in advance. Prepare them fully, including glazing, and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat them on the stove or in the oven until warmed through.

The best way to reheat Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs is to place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your meatballs turn out too dry, it might be due to overcooking or using lean meat.

Solution: To avoid dry meatballs, ensure you don't overbake them and consider using a blend of ground beef with higher fat content. Adding a bit more sauce can also help keep them moist.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the meatballs are not crispy, it could be due to insufficient baking time or temperature.

Solution: To achieve a crispier texture, broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked meatballs can become tough and chewy.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, check their internal temperature early and remove them from the oven once they reach 160°F (70°C).

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: Undercooked meatballs will be pink in the center.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, return the meatballs to the oven for a few more minutes until they are fully cooked.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside of the meatballs is burnt, they may have been baked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature and keep a close watch on the meatballs to prevent burning, rotating them halfway through cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the glaze is too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar to balance it out.

Too Salty: If too salty, adding a bit of sugar can help offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the meatballs taste bland, try adding more seasoning or spices to the mixture before forming the meatballs.

Fresh ingredients for Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs

Essential Ingredients for Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs

The key ingredients for Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs include fresh ground beef, which provides a rich base, and breadcrumbs that help bind the meatballs together. Soy sauce adds an essential umami flavor, while ginger and garlic bring aromatic qualities that elevate the dish.

Using high-quality beef is crucial for a juicy meatball. Fresh ingredients like green onions and ginger ensure the best flavor. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you're concerned about salt intake, and consider using natural sugars for a healthier glaze.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Choose a ground beef blend with a good fat content, such as 80/20, for moist and flavorful meatballs. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness in the glaze, allowing the natural flavors of the other ingredients to shine. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture. You can also make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor.
Cooking process for Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs involves mixing fresh ingredients, forming the meatballs, and baking them to perfection. This method ensures that the meatballs retain their moisture and flavor while achieving a lovely golden exterior.

Glazing the meatballs at the end adds an incredible depth of flavor, making each bite irresistible. The combination of baking and a quick stovetop glaze is not only efficient but also enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Key Technique for Perfect Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs

The key technique for achieving the best Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs is to ensure even mixing of the ingredients without overworking the meat. This allows for tender meatballs that maintain their shape and juiciness during baking.

Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    For acidity
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    For heat
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    To thicken
  • 1 tablespoon water
    For mixing with cornstarch

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
    For meatballs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    To bind
  • 1/4 cup green onions
    Chopped
  • 1 egg
    To bind
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
    Minced
  • 2 garlic cloves
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix until well combined.

  2. Form the Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

  3. Bake the Meatballs

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked through.

  4. Prepare the Glaze

    In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

  5. Thicken the Sauce

    In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add to the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.

  6. Glaze the Meatballs

    Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan and gently toss to coat them in the glaze.

  7. Serve

    Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

  8. Enjoy

    Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Quick Glazed Beef Meatballs, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are best served over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different herbs and spices to the meat mixture, like cilantro or basil. You can also experiment with sauces by adding teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.