Honey Garlic Meatball Bake

This honey garlic meatball rice bake is the kind of dish that brings comfort and a little bit of sweet and savory magic all in one. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty that feels special but doesn’t require constant attention. The meatballs, the honey garlic glaze, and the fluffy rice all bake together creating a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures.

I first made this dish when I wanted something kid friendly but grown up enough for dinner guests. Now it’s a regular request in my house especially when the weather turns cool and we want cozy meals.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or ground chicken provides the juicy, tender base for your meatballs: choose fresh and lean options if you can
• Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together without making them dense: panko or regular are both good
• Egg acts as a binder making sure the meatballs stay intact while baking
• Onion and garlic are foundational flavors that build depth and aroma
• Soy sauce adds a savory umami punch balancing the sweetness of the honey
• Sesame oil introduces a subtle nutty note: use toasted sesame oil for more aroma but it’s okay to skip if you don’t have it
• Honey works as the sweetener for the sauce and creates that irresistible glaze on the meatballs
• Ketchup brings a tangy tomato undertone that brightens the sauce
• Cornstarch helps slightly thicken the sauce so it clings to the meatballs and rice, but you can leave it out if you prefer a thinner consistency
• Uncooked rice absorbs all the flavors from the broth and sauce: jasmine or long grain rice works best for fluffy results
• Chicken broth enriches the rice with savory depth: low sodium is recommended so you can control the salt level
• Bell peppers add color and a mild sweetness while frozen peas bring bursts of freshness and texture
• Green onions are optional but fantastic for adding a bright finish and fresh crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish around 9 by 13 inches in size with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This ensures your bake won’t stick and makes serving easier.

Make the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil if using, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are uniformly combined; overmixing will make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into small meatballs about one to one and a half inches in diameter. You should get about 20 to 24 meatballs. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the meatballs until browned on all sides, roughly 2 to 3 minutes per side. The goal is to develop flavor and a nice crust because they will finish cooking in the oven.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and finely minced garlic. Heat over medium until the mixture starts bubbling gently. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a little water and stir it in, continuing to cook for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat to prevent burning.

Assemble the Bake:

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter to add richness. Pour chicken broth carefully over everything and gently stir just to distribute ingredients evenly. Nestle the browned meatballs on top, pushing them slightly into the rice layer so they are partially surrounded by liquid. Finally, pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the entire dish.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes to let the top brown a bit and the rice finish cooking. Check the rice to make sure it has absorbed all the liquid, and verify the meatballs are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius).

Garnish and Serve:

Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the rice firm up slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving to add freshness and a bit of color.

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Storage Tips

Cool the bake completely before storing to avoid sogginess. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice feels dry. This bake freezes well too; portion it out and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey can be swapped for beef or chicken for a leaner option. Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten free needs. Use maple syrup or agave if you don’t have honey on hand but keep in mind these will alter the final sweetness. Brown rice or quinoa may work in place of white rice but will require longer cooking times and more liquid.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed or roasted greens like broccoli or green beans to round out the meal with some extra veggies. A crisp cucumber salad or simple slaw with vinegar dressing also pairs well to cut through the sweet sauce. Leftovers reheat beautifully as a complete meal or can be used as filling for wraps or lettuce cups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of meat works best for the meatballs?

Ground beef or ground chicken both provide tender, flavorful meatballs that hold together well when baked with the rice.

→ Can I use a different grain instead of white rice?

While white rice cooks evenly within the baking time, jasmine or long-grain varieties work best. Brown rice may require longer baking or pre-cooking.

→ How can I thicken the honey garlic sauce?

Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water right before finishing the sauce helps achieve a smooth, glossy glaze that clings nicely to the meatballs.

→ Is it necessary to sear the meatballs before baking?

Searing meatballs briefly locks in juices and adds a caramelized crust, enhancing texture and flavor in the final bake.

→ What vegetables complement this honey garlic bake?

Bell peppers and peas add sweetness and color, balancing the rich glaze and providing a fresh bite to the dish.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Assembly can be done in advance and kept refrigerated; bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.