Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting dinner that feels a little bit special without a lot of fuss, the Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is the answer! This dish combines tender homemade meatballs with aromatic rice, bell peppers, and peas, all baked together under a glossy sweet-and-salty honey garlic sauce. The result? Every spoonful is packed with juicy meatballs, deeply flavored rice, and a punch of color, making it a one-pan wonder you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is that it’s simple yet full of flavor. Each ingredient brings something unique—don’t be tempted to skip anything! Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick tip for each.

• Ground beef or chicken: This is the base for your meatballs! Beef adds richness, while chicken is lighter and super tender.
• Breadcrumbs: They soak up juices, helping your meatballs stay moist and delicate rather than dense.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, making sure your meatballs hold their shape as they bake.
• Finely chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch to each bite.
• Garlic (for meatballs and sauce): Essential for depth—freshly minced is best for punchy flavor.
• Soy sauce: Gives the meatballs and sauce their irresistible umami and savory notes.
• Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle for nutty aroma—try not to skip it if you have some!
• Black pepper: Balances the sweetness; freshly ground brings the most flavor.
• Salt: Just a touch to round out the flavors.
• Honey: The star of the sauce, providing that signature sticky-sweet finish.
• Ketchup: Adds tang and body to the honey garlic sauce, making it rich and glossy.
• Water: Helps create the right sauce consistency for even coverage.
• Cornstarch (optional): For a thicker, more irresistible glaze—totally up to your personal texture preference.
• Uncooked white rice: Long grain or jasmine works best, giving you tender grains that soak up all the saucy goodness.
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Infuses the rice with extra flavor as it cooks right in the pan with everything else.
• Olive oil or butter: A little fat helps the rice bake up fluffy, with a hint of richness.
• Diced bell peppers: Any color is great—they bring color, crunch, and gentle sweetness.
• Frozen peas: No need to thaw; they add bursts of green and extra nutrition.
• Chopped green onions (optional): The perfect garnish for a fresh, zippy finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Get things started by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the rice cooks through and the meatballs stay juicy. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a slick of oil for easy cleanup and perfect non-stick results.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, two cloves of garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork—the less you handle, the lighter your meatballs will be. Roll the mixture into approximately 20-24 small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches each). Sear them in a skillet with a splash of oil just until browned on the outside, which locks in juices and flavor. Don’t worry that they aren’t cooked through—they’ll finish baking later.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and two finely minced garlic cloves. Warm gently over medium heat, letting the mixture bubble. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it in and let it thicken for about a minute more. Remove from the heat—you’ll be amazed by how glossy and fragrant this sauce becomes!

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Spread your uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the diced bell peppers and frozen peas on top, then drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for that luscious richness. Pour the chicken broth over everything—this starts the magic, letting the rice and veggies soak up flavor while they bake. Gently tuck the seared meatballs into your rice mixture, spacing them out so every serving is generous. Finally, drizzle the honey garlic sauce evenly over the whole pan; it seeps into every layer as it bakes!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish snugly with aluminum foil to steam the rice and keep the meatballs juicy. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and the top is just turning golden around the edges. Double-check that most of the liquid has absorbed and that the meatballs are fully cooked—look for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) if you want to be sure.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which allows everything to set and makes scooping much easier. Just before serving, scatter vibrant green onions over the top. It’s a final fresh flourish for this cozy, inviting supper!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions; they provide a pop of color and just the right amount of tang to balance out the savory-sweet notes. If you want to go above and beyond, add a pinch of sesame seeds for a little crunch or some extra chopped cilantro for herbaceous flair.

Side Dishes

The Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is so hearty it can stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or simple roasted carrots. These lighter sides keep your meal balanced and add extra freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the meatballs and rice into individual bowls and topping with extra sauce, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal feel. If you’re hosting, consider scooping some into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer that’s sure to spark conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply let the bake cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors seem to get even richer by the next day.

Freezing

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake also freezes like a dream! Cool completely, then wrap portions securely in plastic wrap and foil or stash in freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice looks dry—it’ll spring right back to life!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade meatballs give extra flavor, feel free to use your favorite pre-cooked or frozen meatballs for a quicker option. Just brown them briefly for best flavor before adding to the rice bake.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. Increase the total baking time by at least 20 minutes, and check occasionally to ensure the rice is fully cooked before removing from the oven.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You sure can! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based or veggie meatballs and use vegetable broth. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, making it a meat-free but still incredibly satisfying meal.

What can I substitute for honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar both work well if you’re out of honey or want to try a different twist. Both keep the sauce luscious and sweet, with just a hint of extra depth from their own flavor profiles.

Do I need to thaw the frozen peas first?

Nope—just toss them straight into the dish as they are. The peas cook perfectly while the bake is in the oven, saving you time and an extra dish to wash!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a cozy, homemade dish like Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake—it’s comforting, cheerful, and bound to become a staple at your table. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for the requests for seconds (and the recipe!) to roll in. Happy baking!

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