If you’re searching for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that combines savory, sweet, and comforting flavors in a single dish, look no further than Honey Garlic Meatballs with Rice Bake. This recipe delivers juicy, tender meatballs coated in a sticky honey-garlic glaze, all baked together with fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s as delicious as it is convenient.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One-pan recipe – less cleanup, more flavor.
- Balanced flavors – the sweetness of honey, richness of garlic, and umami from soy sauce.
- Customizable – works with beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs.
- Perfect for meal prep – refrigerates and freezes beautifully.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or chicken/turkey for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry, optional for thickening)
For the Rice Bake:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
⏱️ Quick Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories (approx.): 480 per serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix until just combined (avoid over-mixing to keep them tender).
- Roll into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Lightly brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to cook fully; baking will finish them).
- Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, add uncooked rice and broth.
- Stir in frozen vegetables.
- Arrange browned meatballs evenly over the rice.
- Pour honey garlic sauce on top. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Remove foil, check rice tenderness, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes if needed.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or an Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- For extra heat, drizzle with sriracha or sprinkle with red chili flakes.
- Pair with a light soup for a comforting family dinner.
🥗 Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
(Values vary based on ingredients used)
💡 Variations & Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb: Swap rice with cauliflower rice (bake separately).
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili paste, gochujang, or sriracha to the sauce.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking meatballs – makes them tough.
- Too much liquid – can result in mushy rice. Stick to the recommended broth-to-rice ratio.
- Skipping foil – covering ensures the rice cooks evenly without drying out.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, just thaw and brown them slightly before baking for best flavor.
Q: What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Brown rice can be used but requires longer baking and extra broth.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce more?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) added to the sauce before pouring over meatballs.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Meatballs with Rice Bake is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together protein, carbs, and vegetables in one satisfying meal. With its sweet-savory balance, one-pan convenience, and endless customization options, it’s destined to become a family favorite.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and scallions for that irresistible finishing touch!
