Print

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce, layered over fluffy rice. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering bold, sweet-savory flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice Base

  • 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, long grain or jasmine)

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if required)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp water or broth (for thinning)

Optional Toppings & Garnish

  • ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground meat, minced garlic, diced onion, egg, and bread crumbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then form small, even-sized meatballs to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden but not fully cooked through. This step seals in flavors and adds a beautiful crust.
  3. Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce. Stir well to meld the sweet and savory ingredients into a smooth sauce.
  4. Assemble the Bake: In a greased baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly. Arrange the browned meatballs on top, then pour the honey garlic sauce over everything so the rice and meatballs soak up the flavors.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the sauce bubbles up around the rice. Optionally, top with cheese during the last 5 minutes for a melty, golden finish.

Notes

  • Meatball Size: Keep meatballs small to cook evenly and quickly.
  • Use Day-Old Rice: Helps absorb the sauce better and prevents mushiness.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender and avoid toughness.
  • Simmer Sauce Briefly: Heating the honey garlic sauce before baking intensifies the flavor.
  • Cover While Baking: Tent with foil if the top is browning too fast but meatballs need more cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, rice bake, one dish meal, comfort food, easy dinner, family-friendly, baked meatballs, honey garlic sauce

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/honey-garlic-meatball-rice-bake/