Midwestern Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs with Mustard Sauce
Tender pork meatballs glazed with sweet honey and served with a tangy mustard sauce, a comforting dish inspired by Midwestern flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends ground pork, breadcrumbs, large egg into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup, finely minced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix 1 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely minced onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined but not overworked.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 18 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 4: While the meatballs bake, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baked meatballs and pour in the honey mustard sauce. Toss gently and cook for 3-4 minutes until the meatballs are glazed and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme over the meatballs and serve warm with extra mustard sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Midwestern Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs with Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Midwestern Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs with Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Midwestern Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs with Mustard Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Midwestern Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs with Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Midwestern Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs with Mustard Sauce?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.