Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort dish for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want a delicious, hands-off meal that feels like a big, warm hug. Juicy homemade meatballs are nestled in fluffy, flavor-packed rice with pops of color from bell peppers and sweet peas, all bathed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce that’s impossible to resist. It all comes together in one pan, so cleanup is blissfully easy, too. If you’re looking for that magic combination of savory, sweet, and saucy perfection, you’re about to fall head over heels for this recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is how simple yet transformative each ingredient is. They’re easy to find and come together in a way that lets every flavor shine, from garlicky notes to the richness of the sauce and that irresistible crispy finish.

• Ground Beef or Chicken: The star base for juicy, tender meatballs—choose whichever you love or have on hand.
• Breadcrumbs: Essential for holding the meatballs together and keeping them light, not dense.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the meatballs structure for that perfect bite.
• Finely Chopped Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture—don’t skip it!
• Minced Garlic (for meatballs and sauce): Doubles up on that savory, deep flavor—fresh is best here.
• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami; use low sodium if you prefer.
• Sesame Oil (optional): Brings a subtle nutty warmth, totally worth adding if you have it.
• Black Pepper: A little heat and depth for balance.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors throughout your whole bake.
• Honey: Lends rich sweetness and gives the sauce its signature stickiness.
• Ketchup: Rounds out the sauce with tangy, savory sweetness.
• Water: Helps bring the sauce together and cooks the rice to perfection.
• Cornstarch (optional): Thickens the sauce for that classic glossy finish.
• Uncooked White Rice: Jasmine or long grain yields the fluffiest results after soaking up all those yummy flavors.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness—use whichever you have on hand.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Prevents sticking and adds richness to the rice bake.
• Diced Bell Peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and a subtle crunch.
• Frozen Peas: No need to thaw—these add pops of color and sweet flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions (optional): For garnish, they provide fresh color and a nice sharp bite to finish things off.

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of oil or cooking spray. This prevents any sticking and makes scooping out servings super easy (and keeps cleanup quick, too!)

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a big bowl, mix together your ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil (if you’re using it), black pepper, and salt. Get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spatula and bring everything together gently so you don’t overwork it. Form into small meatballs—roughly 1 to 1.5 inches each. In a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat, sear the meatballs on all sides for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they pick up some color but without fully cooking through. They’ll finish up in the oven, staying super tender and juicy!

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs brown, make the star of the show. Grab a small saucepan and stir together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic. Warm it over medium heat until it bubbles. If you love a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it in, letting it cook one more minute. The smell alone will have everyone drifting into the kitchen!

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In your prepared baking dish, spread the uncooked rice in a nice, even layer. Sprinkle over the diced bell peppers and frozen peas, then drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for silkiness. Pour in the chicken broth, give everything a gentle stir, then snuggle your browned meatballs right into the rice so they’re partly submerged. Now, pour your honey garlic sauce evenly over the top—be generous! It’ll soak down into the rice, infusing every bite with deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes; this lets the rice absorb all that savory, saucy flavor. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes. The top will get a bit golden, and the rice beneath will be fluffy and irresistible. When you poke a meatball, you should see it’s cooked through (look for an internal temp of 165°F or 74°C if you’re checking). The smell will tell you it’s just right!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let everything sit for 5–10 minutes so the juices settle and the bake cuts cleanly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Now, just try to resist digging in immediately—it’s not easy!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Garnishes

The finishing touches make this bake sing. A handful of fresh chopped green onions provides crunch and a punchy color contrast. You could also try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a scattered handful of fresh cilantro, or thin strips of red chili for some heat.

Side Dishes

The Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it plays nicely with cool cucumber salad, a simple steamed green veg like broccoli, or even a tangy Asian slaw. For something bread-y, try some soft dinner rolls to scoop up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, casual gathering, serve the bake straight from the dish at the table and let everyone help themselves. If you’re going for plated elegance, use a ring mold to neatly portion out the rice and arrange the glazed meatballs on top. For little ones (or cozy lunches), try packing leftovers into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go happiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake will stay tasty for up to four days in the refrigerator. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors deepen as it sits, meaning lunch the next day is just as exciting as the first serving!

Freezing

This bake is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for doubling up or meal prepping. Let it cool completely, then spoon individual portions (or the whole thing, if you like) into freezer-safe containers. It will keep its comfort and flavor for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop single servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes until steaming hot. To reheat the whole dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. If things look a little dry, add a splash of broth before heating.

FAQs

Can I make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake with brown rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid. Add an extra half cup of broth and bake an additional 20 minutes covered, or until the rice is tender.

What’s the best way to make it ahead for a party?

Assemble the entire bake up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. It’s perfect for low-stress entertaining!

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use your favorite frozen or deli meatballs for even more convenience. Just thaw them first so they fully heat through while baking with the rice.

Is it possible to make the sauce less sweet?

Certainly! Feel free to reduce the honey by a tablespoon or two for a more savory profile, or add a splash more soy sauce for balance. You’re in charge of the flavors here.

Can I make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the meatballs for any vegetarian or vegan meatball and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The flavors work beautifully with plant-based swaps, keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how much joy this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake brings to the dinner table—both for its flavor and its fabulous simplicity. Give it a shot and experience just how easy and delicious a one-pan comfort meal can be; chances are, it’ll become a beloved regular in your kitchen, too!

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