Introduction

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting, all-in-one meal bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Juicy meatballs simmer in a sticky honey garlic sauce atop fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

A clear glass dish filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white rice mixed with small bits of yellow and red bell peppers and green peas, showing a soft and fluffy texture; the middle layer is covered with round meatballs, each topped with a shiny, dark brown glossy sauce that gives a sticky and rich look; the top layer is sprinkled with chopped fresh green onions, adding a bright green color contrast over the meatballs. The dish is set on a white marbled texture surface. 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 (or similar-sized) baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and salt. Mix gently until fully incorporated. Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on the outside, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until gently bubbling. If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir in, then cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Spread uncooked rice evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Step 6: Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice and vegetables. Stir lightly to spread the rice evenly. Nestle the browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing down so they are partially submerged.
Step 7: Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice.
Step 8: 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 and the top is slightly browned.
Step 9: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken for a lighter option or mix beef with pork for extra flavor.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce.
Substitute frozen mixed vegetables if bell peppers and peas aren’t available.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with two main layers. The bottom layer consists of cooked rice mixed with small bright green peas and diced yellow and red bell peppers, giving it a colorful texture. On top, there are evenly spaced round meatballs covered in a shiny brown glaze with small white sesame seeds sprinkled on them. Each meatball is garnished with finely chopped green onions. The scene is set against a white marbled surface, and the focus is on the front meatballs, where the glossy texture and fresh ingredients stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it may require a longer baking time and additional liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

How can I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Gently mixing the meatball ingredients and not overworking the mixture helps keep them tender. Also, searing the meatballs before baking helps them hold their shape better.