Go Back

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

A comforting and hearty dish featuring sweet and savory honey garlic meatballs baked with rice and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 lb 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 but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Honey Garlic Sauce Ingredients
  • 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)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. 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 combined to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Browning Meatballs
  1. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside. Remove from heat and set aside.
Making Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and finely minced garlic. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
  2. If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Assembling the Bake
  1. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice.
  2. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice and vegetables. Give a gentle stir to ensure the rice is well distributed.
  3. Nestle the browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing them down slightly so they are partially submerged.
  4. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to brown the top and finish cooking the rice and meatballs.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially in the sauce. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots or broccoli. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.