Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a one-pan, hearty meal that brings together tender, flavorful meatballs, fluffy rice, and a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, all baked together for a comforting and satisfying dinner. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s an ideal weeknight meal for busy families.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is the perfect combination of rich, juicy meatballs and fluffy rice, all baked in a deliciously sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, with the sauce providing a perfect glaze that soaks into the rice, making every bite irresistible. It’s easy to make in one pan, cutting down on cleanup time, and can be prepared in advance for meal prepping. Plus, the dish is versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or side dishes.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce and Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Sesame seeds (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined. Form the mixture into 16-18 meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

4. Assemble the Bake: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re all well-coated. Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the meatballs. Pour the remaining sauce over the rice, making sure the rice is covered with the sauce and liquid. Season with a little salt and pepper.

5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the rice is tender. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.

6. Serve: Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 40 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based meatballs or make your own from lentils, quinoa, or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.

• Add vegetables: Stir in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas to the rice for added nutrition and flavor.

• Use brown rice: For a healthier twist, swap out white rice for brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

• Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha, to the sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Simply place them directly in the baking dish, cover with sauce, and bake for a bit longer (about 10-15 minutes), until the meatballs are fully cooked through.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time and increase the liquid slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the meatballs, sauce, and rice in advance. Store everything in the refrigerator separately and assemble the dish just before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the entire dish, let it cool, and then store leftovers in the fridge.

Can I make this dish without the honey?

If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce or omit the honey and use more soy sauce for a savory-only flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different type of sweetness.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish, but you can use other varieties like jasmine or basmati rice as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of rice you use.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the meatballs first, then add them to the slow cooker with the sauce and rice. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the rice is tender.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

To add some heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a splash of sriracha or hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines savory meatballs with a sweet and garlicky sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a wholesome dinner that’s both filling and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try for a satisfying and easy meal!