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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
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4.9 from 21 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake combining tender meatballs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, baked over a bed of seasoned rice and vegetables. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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)

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)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix until fully combined but avoid overmixing. Shape into 20-24 small meatballs (1 to 1.5 inches diameter). In a skillet over medium heat, sear meatballs in a splash of oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Heat over medium until it gently bubbles. For thicker sauce, stir cornstarch dissolved in water into the sauce and cook another minute until thickened. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Spread uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top. Pour chicken broth evenly over the mixture and gently stir to distribute rice and vegetables. Nestle the browned meatballs into the rice mixture, pressing them slightly so they are partially submerged. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until rice is cooked through, liquid is absorbed, and the top is lightly golden. Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

  • Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Sesame oil adds depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content.
  • For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, rice bake, one dish meal, baked meatballs, easy dinner, comfort food, Asian inspired, weeknight dinner

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