Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Olivia Morgan

June 30, 2025

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why make this recipe

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a delicious and easy dish that brings together savory meatballs, fluffy rice, and a sweet, tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it combines everything into one baking dish. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, the honey garlic sauce gives it a unique twist that makes it stand out from other baked meals!

how to make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons water
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1 cup uncooked long grain or jasmine white rice
2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)

Directions:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or a thin coating of oil.
Prepare Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and salt until just combined.
Shape and Brown Meatballs
Shape the mixture into small 1 to 1.5 inch meatballs, forming approximately 20 to 24 pieces. In a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, brown the meatballs on each side for 2 to 3 minutes without fully cooking.
Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat until gently bubbling. For a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, stir it in, and cook for one additional minute. Remove from heat.
Arrange Rice and Vegetables
Spread uncooked rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute diced bell peppers and frozen peas, then drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Add Broth and Meatballs
Pour chicken (or vegetable) broth over the rice and vegetables. Gently stir to distribute ingredients. Nestle browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing so they are partly submerged.
Top and Bake
Drizzle honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, then bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until rice is tender and the top is lightly golden.
Rest and Serve
Let the dish stand for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

how to serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Serve the Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake hot, straight from the oven. You can enjoy it as is, or pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of extra green onions on top can add a nice touch of color and flavor.

how to store Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

tips to make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Make sure to brown the meatballs before baking to enhance their flavor.
You can customize the vegetables according to your preference—add carrots, corn, or anything else you like.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.

variation

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with plant-based meat or mashed beans. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the baking time and liquid amounts.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs?
Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and place the raw meatballs directly into the baking dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it overnight. Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking it straight from the fridge.