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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 373 reviews

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, baked atop a bed of flavorful rice and vegetables. It’s a perfect blend of juicy meatballs, aromatic sauce, and fluffy rice, ideal for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.

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 and Vegetables

  • 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)

Garnish

  • 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 the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just incorporated to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into 20-24 meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil and brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side; they don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and finely minced garlic. Heat over medium heat until it starts to bubble. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and whisk it in. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top, then pour the chicken broth evenly over the mixture. Gently stir to distribute the rice and vegetables. Nestle the browned meatballs into the rice mixture, pressing them down partially so they’re slightly submerged. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender, liquid absorbed, and the top is golden. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Garnish and Serve: Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh and vibrant garnish. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use ground chicken for a lighter option or stick with beef for a richer flavor.
  • Searing the meatballs before baking gives them a nice crust but doesn’t cook them fully—the oven finish ensures they stay juicy.
  • Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your preferred sweetness level.
  • The optional cornstarch helps thicken the sauce but can be omitted if you prefer a thinner glaze.
  • Feel free to swap bell peppers and peas with other vegetables like carrots or corn based on preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
  • Leftover bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: honey garlic meatball bake, meatball rice casserole, one dish meal, easy dinner, baked meatballs, comfort food, honey garlic sauce

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