why make this recipe

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is warm, sweet, and easy. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one dish after you brown the meatballs. It saves time and feeds a family. If you like quick garlic ideas, try a small side like 3-ingredient garlic butter to serve with bread.

introduction

This recipe pairs soft rice with juicy meatballs and a sticky honey garlic glaze. The steps are easy and the flavors please kids and adults. You can use beef, turkey, or chicken. The bake holds well for leftovers and tastes even better the next day.

how to make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Follow the steps below. Brown the meatballs first, mix the glaze, then bake everything together so the rice soaks up the sauce.

Ingredients :

1 cup rice
2 cups water or broth
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, combine rice and water or broth, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is fluffy.
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
In a skillet, cook meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides.
In a separate bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
Combine cooked rice, meatballs, and honey glaze in a baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Garnish with green onions before serving.

how to serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Scoop the bake onto plates and add a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A small spoon of extra sauce on top adds shine and flavor.

how to store Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Let the bake cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or warm in the microwave for a quick meal.

tips to make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Use broth instead of water to make the rice more flavorful.
Do not skip browning the meatballs — it adds color and taste.
If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
For a tangy twist, try a side sauce like 3-ingredient honey mustard to dip the meatballs.
Watch the bake in the oven the last 5 minutes so it does not dry out.

variation (if any)

Make it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice before baking.
Use brown rice, but increase cooking time or pre-cook the rice so it becomes tender.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes. Cool fully, put in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead?
A: Yes. Make and brown the meatballs, then store in the fridge for one day before mixing with rice and glaze.

Q: Is this spicy?
A: No. It is sweet and savory. Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze if you like heat.

Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: You can, but adjust the bake time since instant rice cooks faster. Prefer pre-cooked rice to avoid dryness.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is simple, comforting, and great for family dinners. For another version and step ideas, see an Easy Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe on Ella’s Bites. If you want more ideas for honey garlic meatballs, check the recipe for Honey Garlic Meatballs at Miss in the Kitchen.