Introduction

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines tender meatballs with flavorful honey garlic sauce and fluffy rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare.

A clear glass square dish filled with a base layer of cooked white rice mixed with small yellow and red bell pepper pieces, giving a speckled color of white, yellow, and red throughout. On top of the rice, there are about 25 shiny, golden-brown glazed meatballs arranged in neat rows across the entire surface. Small chopped green onions are sprinkled over both the rice and meatballs, adding pops of green color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a soft background, showing part of a stove behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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)
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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20-24). In a skillet over medium heat, sear the meatballs in a splash of oil until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to cook through yet.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic. Heat over medium flame until the mixture bubbles gently. For a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir in; cook another minute until thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 5: In the prepared baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas on top. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and pour chicken broth evenly over all. Lightly stir to distribute evenly.
Step 6: Nestle the browned meatballs into the rice mixture, pressing them down slightly so they are partly submerged. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice.
Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is cooked through and the top is slightly golden.
Step 8: Check that the liquid is absorbed and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or a mix of pork and beef for different flavors and textures.
If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Substitute quinoa or brown rice for a healthier grain option; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a black skillet filled with a layer of cooked rice mixed with small orange carrot pieces, creating a base layer. On top of the rice, there are multiple small round meatballs, each coated with a shiny brown sauce, arranged evenly across the skillet. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the meatballs and rice, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the rice before baking and adjust baking time to ensure the rice cooks properly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the butter or use olive oil instead, and make sure the soy sauce you use does not contain any dairy ingredients.