The Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe is a heartwarming, all-in-one meal that brings together tender meatballs, fluffy rice, and a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without too much fuss, delivering comforting flavors wrapped in a cozy bake that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a spectacular Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe. Each one adds a unique touch, from the tender meatballs to the vibrant veggies and that irresistible honey garlic sauce.
- Ground beef or ground chicken: Use quality meat for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meat mixture.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the meatballs and sauce with robust flavor.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and umami to both meatballs and sauce.
- Sesame oil (optional): Adds a hint of nutty aroma for a more complex flavor.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Honey: Provides a natural sweetness that balances the garlic.
- Ketchup: Adds tang and body to the sauce.
- Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency.
- Cornstarch (optional): Thickens the honey garlic sauce to a perfect glaze.
- Uncooked white rice: The base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Infuses rice with rich flavor as it cooks.
- Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps cook the veggies.
- Diced bell peppers: Bring color, sweetness, and crunch.
- Frozen peas: Offer a pop of green and subtle sweetness.
- Chopped green onions (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray. This ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Make and Brown the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Combine just until mixed to keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—you should aim for around two dozen.
Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this point—the oven will finish the job.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until gently bubbling. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in. Let it cook for another minute until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat to keep that perfect glossy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bake
Spread uncooked rice evenly in your greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas across the rice for a burst of color and flavor. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the veggies and rice to add richness.
Pour chicken or vegetable broth over everything, giving it a gentle stir to distribute the rice evenly. Nestle the browned meatballs into the rice mixture, pressing down slightly so they’re partially covered. Finally, drizzle the honey garlic sauce generously on top to tie all the flavors together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender, the liquid has been absorbed, and the top gains a subtle golden color. Make sure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the bake rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and the dish to thicken slightly. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and oniony brightness that perfectly complements the honey garlic glaze.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions are a classic finish, but feel free to add some toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a handful of fresh cilantro for an herbal lift. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making every bite a joy.
Side Dishes
This bake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed greens such as broccoli or bok choy. A light cucumber salad with a touch of rice vinegar also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory meatball bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish for cozy family meals, or portion it into individual ramekins for a charming touch when entertaining. You can also spoon the meatballs and rice over a bed of wilted spinach or alongside crispy roasted vegetables for an exciting meal variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, freeze it before baking by assembling everything in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. After cooking, leftovers can also be frozen but their texture may be slightly softer upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the rice moist, cover the dish loosely and add a splash of broth or water before reheating. The honey garlic sauce will taste just as delightful, restoring that mouthwatering glaze.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or pork instead of beef or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork works wonderfully in this recipe and will still absorb all the flavors of the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before baking?
Browning the meatballs adds a lovely caramelized flavor and helps them hold their shape during baking, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake them directly in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice is ideal for this bake because they cook evenly and have a lovely fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce nicely.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some chili paste for a subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the sweet honey and savory garlic.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe a try. It’s the perfect combination of comforting homemade flavors with minimal effort and maximum heartiness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a warm, satisfying meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite you return to time and time again.
Print
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Description
A comforting and flavorful Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake featuring tender ground meatballs cooked in a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice mixed with bell peppers and peas. This all-in-one dish is baked to perfection, offering a delicious family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with taste.
Ingredients
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
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)
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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until all ingredients are incorporated without overmixing. Form the mixture into 20-24 meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sauce bubbles gently. If desired, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add to the sauce for thickening. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice mixture and stir lightly to distribute ingredients. Nestle the browned meatballs gently on top, pressing them slightly so they are partially submerged.
- Pour Sauce Over: Evenly pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and rice mixture, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked, the top is slightly golden, and the liquid is absorbed. Confirm meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh and colorful garnish.
Notes
- Using ground chicken instead of beef provides a lighter option.
- Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt content in the dish.
- For a thicker sauce, cornstarch is optional but recommended.
- The dish can be made in advance and baked when ready, perfect for meal prep.
- Ensure meatballs are browned before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use jasmine rice for a fragrant aroma or long grain rice for fluffier texture.
- Check liquid absorption near the end of baking to avoid undercooked rice.
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