Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake – Easy, Flavorful, and Comforting

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that is simple to prepare. Tender meatballs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce are baked over fluffy rice, making a delicious one-pan meal that is ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners. Using basic ingredients and requiring little prep time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the rice bake:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir just until combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
3. Make the sauce: In another bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
4. Assemble the bake: Spread rinsed rice evenly in a large baking dish. Pour chicken broth or water over the rice. Place the meatballs evenly on top. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and rice.
5. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Add cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top before serving.

Tips & Variations for Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Tips

• Choose ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner version.
• Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove extra starch and get fluffier results.
• Cover the baking dish tightly during cooking to keep the rice moist and tender.
• Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes after baking so the flavors can blend nicely.

Variations

Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute, but reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking.

Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the rice before baking for added nutrition.

Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar cheese to change the flavor profile.

For extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

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