Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Name: Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground chicken; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but recommended); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Honey Garlic Sauce:; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons water; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); For the Rice Bake:; 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine); 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color); 1/2 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw); 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Author: Lora

Published: August 8, 2025

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Introduction to Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

As a busy mom, I understand the struggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. That’s where my Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake comes in! This dish is not only mouthwateringly delicious, but it’s also a one-pan wonder that eliminates the mess of multiple pots and pans. Picture tender meatballs enveloped in a sticky honey garlic sauce, nestled atop fluffy rice and vibrant veggies. It’s the kind of comforting meal that’ll have your family gathered around the table, sharing smiles and laughter after the hustle of the day. Perfect, right?

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a lifesaver for busy evenings. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, it’s a quick solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor! The combination of savory meatballs and sweet sauce creates a delightful taste explosion. Plus, it’s all baked together into one cohesive dish, making cleanup a breeze. Your family will dive in, and you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to your delightful Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef or ground chicken: This is the essential protein base for your meatballs. Feel free to choose whichever you prefer—both work beautifully!
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatball mixture, giving them a lovely texture. You can use regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs based on your needs.
Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together while adding moisture to the meatballs.
Onion: Freshly chopped, it adds a subtle sweetness and flavor depth to your meatballs.
Garlic: Minced for that aromatic kick! Fresh cloves are a must for that irresistible taste.
Soy sauce: Adds umami richness; feel free to use low-sodium for a healthier option.
Sesame oil: Optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
Black pepper and salt: Basic seasoning essentials to enhance the meatball taste.

Now for the scrumptious honey garlic sauce:

Honey: The star ingredient that gives this dish its delightful sweetness.
Ketchup: Adds tang and enhances the sauce’s texture.
Water: To adjust the sauce’s consistency; just a little helps it mingle with the meat.
More garlic: Yep, it’s that good—a pinch more garlic for that extra flavor boost!
Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent if you’d like your sauce to have a richer consistency.

For the rice bake part:

White rice: Long grain or jasmine rice works best; it cooks up beautifully as it bakes.
Chicken broth or vegetable broth: Use this to enhance the rice’s flavor—broth adds a nice depth!
Olive oil or butter: A drizzle here gives everything a lovely richness and helps in cooking.
Bell peppers: Diced and colorful, they bring a pop of color and sweetness.
Frozen peas: These add a sweet crunch and vivid green to the bake—no need to thaw!
Green onions: Optional garnish that adds a fresh finish when served.

For exact measurements, don’t miss the details at the end of the article, where you can find everything listed for easy printing!

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in. A warm oven ensures everything bakes evenly, making your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine your ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Be cautious not to overmix! You want the meatballs tender, so just enough mixing to bring it all together. Once mixed, shape the mixture into small meatballs, around 1 to 1.5 inches wide. As you roll them, you can think of them as little flavor bombs!

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

Now, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor! If it gets a little crowded, don’t worry—just cook them in batches until they’re all golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Cook this over medium heat, stirring until it begins to bubble gently. If you’re a sauce lover like me, you might want it thicker. For that, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the bubbling mixture. Cook for another minute to let it thicken, then take it off the heat. Ah, the scent will have you dreaming of dinner!

Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bake

Grab your greased baking dish and spread out the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Scatter the diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice like confetti—so colorful! Then, drizzle olive oil or melted butter across everything. Pour the chicken broth over it, giving everything a gentle stir to spread it out. Next, nestle those beautifully browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing them down slightly so they’re partly submerged. This is where the magic happens!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Now, pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this helps everything cook evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it until the rice is tender and the meatballs are thoroughly cooked.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This little pause allows the flavors to deepen and makes serving much easier. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch. Now you’re ready to dig in!

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the searing step—it adds fantastic flavor!
Use day-old rice for an even fluffier texture if you have it on hand.
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or throw in whatever’s in the fridge.
Double the honey garlic sauce for extra gooey goodness, it never hurts!
Let leftovers cool completely before storing them. They’ll be great the next day!

Equipment Needed

Baking Dish: I recommend a 9×13 inch dish, but any oven-safe dish will work.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for your meatball mixture—feel free to use a sturdy one.
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is great for searing the meatballs.
Small Saucepan: Perfect for whisking up that honey garlic sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting those ingredient quantities just right!

Variations

Swap the Protein: Try using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.
Veggie-Packed: Add shredded carrots, zucchini, or diced mushrooms to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the honey garlic sauce for some heat.
Whole Grain Rice: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier grain alternative.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a vibrant flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Pair with a Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly.
Serve with Steamed Broccoli: Tender steamed broccoli adds a great crunch and nutrition to your meal.
Enjoy with Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea balances the sweetness of the bake.
Garnish Well: Sprinkle extra green onions or sesame seeds on top for an elegant touch.
Consider Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce!

FAQs about Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Can I prepare the Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the meatballs and assemble everything a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s chilled.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge, and you can easily reheat it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soy sauce you choose is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious meal!

How do I store leftovers?

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions!

What can I serve with this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or even some soft dinner rolls. The options are endless! Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, I’m reminded of the joy of sharing a meal with my family. It’s not just dinner; it’s a gathering, a time for connection amid our busy lives. The sweet and savory notes of the sauce combined with tender meatballs and fluffy rice create a symphony of flavors that warms my heart. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it a go-to recipe on those hectic days. I hope this dish brings as much happiness to your table as it does to mine!