Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

I still remember the first time I made this honey garlic meatball rice bake on a rainy Sunday when I didn’t feel like leaving the house. I opened the fridge, saw some frozen meatballs and leftover rice, and decided to experiment. I whipped up a quick honey garlic glaze tossed it all in a baking dish with chopped peppers and hoped for the best. When it came out bubbling golden and smelling absolutely amazing I knew I had discovered something I’d be making again and again.

Now this has become one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s warm sweet savory and a complete one-dish wonder. I love how the rice soaks up all that honey garlic goodness while the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal you can make with minimal effort but still feel proud to serve and trust me your kitchen will smell incredible!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – The star of the dish that forms the base of the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and give them structure.
• Egg – Adds moisture and helps hold the meatball mixture together.
• Garlic – For a flavorful kick inside the meatballs.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and texture inside the meatballs.
• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow) – Brings color crunch and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
• Cooked rice – Soaks up the sauce and completes the dish with a hearty base.
• Soy sauce – Adds umami depth to the sauce.
• Ketchup – Gives the sauce a sweet tangy foundation.
• Brown sugar – Balances out the tanginess with a touch of caramel sweetness.
• Vinegar – The “sour” in sweet and sour sauce.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to a glossy coating.
• Olive oil – Used for cooking the meatballs to golden perfection.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – Perfect for combining meatball ingredients evenly.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch) – To bake everything together in one easy pan.
• Skillet – For browning meatballs before baking.
• Saucepan – Used to simmer the honey garlic sauce until thick and glossy.
• Whisk – Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get the perfect sweet-savory balance.
• Foil – To cover the dish while baking and help trap moisture.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by mixing ground beef breadcrumbs egg garlic and finely diced onion in a large bowl. I gently blend everything with clean hands until just combined.

Step 2:

I roll the mixture into small evenly sized meatballs and set them on a plate while I heat some olive oil in a skillet.

Step 3:

Once the skillet is hot I brown the meatballs in batches turning them so they’re golden on all sides. I don’t cook them through they’ll finish baking later.

Step 4:

Next I whisk together honey soy sauce ketchup minced garlic vinegar and a little water in a saucepan. I stir in cornstarch and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Step 5:

In a large greased baking dish I spread out the cooked rice then scatter the sautéed bell peppers over the top.

Step 6:

I nestle the browned meatballs over the rice and peppers then pour the honey garlic sauce all over making sure everything gets coated.

Step 7:

I cover the dish with foil and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. After that I remove the foil and let it bake for 10 more minutes until the top is bubbling and slightly caramelized.

Step 8:

I let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and the sauce thickens even more into the rice.

Tips

If you want to save time you can absolutely use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs. I’ve done it before on busy nights and it still tastes great! For a little extra kick I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. And if you love a cheesy twist sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Ways to Serve

• Serve straight from the oven with a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
• Pair with a side of roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad.
• Pack leftovers into meal-prep containers it reheats beautifully!
• Make it party-friendly by turning the dish into individual baked ramekins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make honey garlic meatball rice bake ahead of time?
Yes you can assemble everything in the baking dish ahead of time then store it in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze honey garlic meatball rice bake?
Absolutely. After baking let it cool and freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Can I use frozen meatballs in this honey garlic meatball rice bake recipe?
Yes just bake or thaw them first before layering into the dish and topping with the sauce.

How can I make this dish a little healthier?
You can use brown rice and lean ground turkey or chicken and cut down the honey slightly if you prefer a lighter version.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this honey garlic meatball rice bake a try! It’s become a favorite in my house and I’m sure it’ll become one of yours too. Let me know how it turns out and don’t forget to save or share this recipe so you always have it on hand for cozy flavorful dinners.

Happy Cooking!

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