Description
This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a warm, comforting, and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender meatballs glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked rice and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners, this recipe is quick, easy, customizable, and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Rice Base
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons water or broth
Optional Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack)
- Chopped green onions or fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, egg, and soy sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly, then form into evenly sized meatballs to ensure consistent cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice crust. This locks in juices and adds flavor, but the meatballs will finish cooking in the oven.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water or broth to create a balanced, sweet, savory, and aromatic sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Layer the cooked rice evenly in a baking dish, then arrange the browned meatballs on top. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything, making sure the meatballs are well coated so the sauce seeps into the rice.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, and the meatballs are cooked through. If using cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the bake sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken further.
Notes
- Pre-cook the rice and use slightly dry or leftover rice to prevent mushiness.
- Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare enough honey garlic sauce to generously coat the meatballs and rice for full flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting and modifying honey and soy sauce before baking.
- Cool leftovers promptly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg