Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Published: August 16, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have this dish in the oven in under 30 minutes.
Flavorful: The honey garlic sauce adds a delicious twist that complements the meatballs perfectly.
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein for variety.
Great Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Skillet
Baking dish (9×13 inch)
Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without spilling.
Skillet: Great for searing the meatballs to lock in flavor before baking.
Baking dish: Provides ample space for cooking all components evenly.

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)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl:
1. Mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You should get roughly 20–24 meatballs.
3. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each meatball for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned; they don’t need to be fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan:
1. Combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic.
2. Stir over medium heat until it starts bubbling.
3. If using cornstarch for thickening, dissolve it in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In the greased baking dish:
1. Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
2. Add diced bell peppers and frozen peas on top.
3. Drizzle olive oil or butter over this mixture.
4. Pour in chicken broth and gently stir to distribute everything evenly.
5. Nestle seared meatballs into the rice mixture so they are partially submerged.
6. Pour honey garlic sauce evenly over all ingredients.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Afterward:
– Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until rice is cooked through and slightly golden on top.
– Ensure that meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that all liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Serving Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a delightful experience. This dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to present it for your family or guests.

Family Style

Serve the bake directly from the baking dish for a casual and hearty meal.
Allow everyone to scoop their portions, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

Individual Plates

Plate the rice bake in individual portions for a more elegant presentation.
Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.

With Extra Sauce

Offer extra honey garlic sauce on the side for those who enjoy a more intense flavor.
This allows guests to customize their meal according to their taste preferences.

Accompanied by Salad

Serve with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the bake.
A light vinaigrette can complement the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

To ensure your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Don’t Overmix: When making meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender and juicy.
Check Rice Doneness: Ensure that the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid before serving.
Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Modify the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference for the sauce.
Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Experiment with Proteins: Try using ground turkey or pork as alternatives for a different taste.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Pairing side dishes with your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and provides essential nutrients. Steam until tender but still vibrant.
Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread offers a satisfying contrast to the soft rice bake. Toast slices with butter and minced garlic.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the meatballs. Thinly slice cucumbers and toss with vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add depth and sweetness. Drizzle with olive oil and roast until caramelized.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly brings freshness to your plate. Include cherry tomatoes for added color.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides texture and a tangy bite that pairs well with the sweet honey garlic flavors. Use a vinegar-based dressing for balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

Overmixing the Meatballs: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for tender meatballs that hold their shape.
Skipping the Searing Step: Skipping the searing step may result in less flavor. Searing adds a delicious crust and depth to the meatballs, enhancing your dish.
Not Measuring Rice Properly: Incorrectly measuring rice can lead to uneven cooking. Use a proper measuring cup and level it off for accurate portions.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Not following the baking times might leave the rice undercooked or dry. Stick to the recommended times and check for doneness accordingly.
Using Regular Soy Sauce: Using regular soy sauce can make your dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep flavors balanced without overpowering the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Allow the bake to cool completely before freezing.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 25 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water, and stir until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake ahead of time?

You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it without baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

What substitutions can I make in this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake?

You can substitute ground turkey or pork for beef or chicken. Additionally, feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

To adjust the sweetness of your honey garlic sauce, simply add more honey if you prefer it sweeter or reduce it if you want less sweetness.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! If using brown rice, you will need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your taste. This comforting one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Try it out and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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