Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it checks every box: it’s easy, family-friendly, and full of bold flavor. The homemade meatballs bake directly with the rice, soaking up the garlic-honey glaze as everything cooks. The rice gets tender and savory from the broth, and little pops of color from bell peppers and peas make it even more inviting. It’s a one-pan wonder that keeps cleanup minimal and satisfaction high.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef or ground chicken

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Finely chopped onion

• Garlic, minced

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil (optional but recommended)

• Black pepper

• Salt

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Honey

• Low sodium soy sauce

• Ketchup

• Water

• Garlic, finely minced

• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Rice Bake:

• Uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Olive oil or butter

• Diced bell peppers

• Frozen peas

• Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, I mix together the meatball ingredients until well combined. I roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter).

3. In a separate bowl, I whisk together all the honey garlic sauce ingredients. If I want it thicker, I dissolve the cornstarch in water first before mixing.

4. I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I spread the uncooked rice across the bottom, then pour the chicken broth and olive oil (or butter) over it.

5. I sprinkle in the diced bell peppers and frozen peas, spreading them evenly over the rice.

6. I place the uncooked meatballs directly on top of the rice and veggies.

7. I pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice mixture.

8. I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

9. I uncover the dish and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top, if desired.

10. I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings. It takes around 25 minutes to prep and 45–50 minutes to bake, plus 5–10 minutes of resting time—so just over 1 hour from start to table.

Variations

• I use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• I mix in corn, diced zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies.

• I use brown rice instead of white but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and check for doneness.

• I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• I swap the honey for maple syrup to make it refined sugar–free.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through. If it seems dry, I add a splash of broth before reheating. This dish also freezes well—I freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, I’ve used cooked meatballs before—just reduce the bake time slightly and make sure they’re heated through.

Does the rice really cook all the way through in the oven?

Yes, as long as I cover the dish tightly with foil, the rice steams and cooks evenly in the broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. I let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, I add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to the honey garlic sauce to give it a spicy kick.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

I prefer long grain white rice or jasmine rice for the best texture. Short grain may turn out too sticky, and brown rice requires longer cooking.

Conclusion

This honey garlic meatball rice bake is a cozy, flavorful meal that I can throw together with minimal prep and a lot of reward. It’s sweet, savory, and full of satisfying textures from the tender meatballs, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies. Whether I make it for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal with friends, it always earns second helpings.

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