Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake: A Comfort Food Casserole Everyone Will Love

When you need a weeknight dinner that’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to win over the whole family, look no further than this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake. It’s everything you love about sticky-sweet honey garlic meatballs, but baked together with rice in one easy, all-in-one casserole dish.

Juicy meatballs are smothered in a glossy honey garlic glaze, nestled into a bed of fluffy rice that soaks up all that savory-sweet sauce. It’s baked until bubbly, tender, and full of bold, family-friendly flavor. The best part? It’s a complete meal in one pan—protein, carbs, and saucy goodness all in one.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, feeding picky eaters, or meal-prepping for the week, this bake checks every box: easy, comforting, and completely crave-worthy.

this Recipe

What Is Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake?

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a casserole-style dinner that combines saucy meatballs with seasoned rice. Instead of cooking everything separately, you bake the meatballs and rice together, letting the rice absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks.

The honey garlic glaze is the star of the show—it’s sticky, sweet, savory, and just garlicky enough to keep you going back for another bite. The meatballs are tender and juicy, while the rice bakes up fluffy and flavorful right alongside them.

This dish is like your favorite takeout sweet-and-savory meatballs, but in cozy casserole form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-one meal – Meatballs, rice, and sauce bake together for easy cleanup.
• Big flavor, simple steps – No complicated cooking, but maximum taste.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead and reheat during the week.
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved – Who can say no to honey garlic sauce?
• Crowd-pleasing – Great for potlucks, game day, or family dinners.

What Does Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Taste Like?

This dish is the definition of comfort food. The meatballs are tender and juicy, coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor. The rice soaks up the glaze, becoming rich and saucy without getting soggy.

Each bite gives you soft rice, a saucy meatball, and just the right balance of sweetness and savory garlic notes. It’s hearty, filling, and totally satisfying.

Topped with fresh chopped chives or green onions, the finished bake is vibrant and inviting—a true family-style dish that everyone can dig into.

Benefits of Making Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

• One-pan meal – Fewer dishes, less cleanup.
• Make ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Freezer-friendly – Store leftovers for a future meal.
• Customizable – Use store-bought or homemade meatballs.
• Feeds a crowd – Perfect for large families or gatherings.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple and flavorful bake:

• 1 1/2 lbs meatballs (homemade or frozen, fully cooked)
• 2 cups uncooked white rice (long-grain recommended)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional, for color and texture)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (to grease the dish)
• Fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Medium saucepan (for sauce)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl (if making meatballs from scratch)
• Aluminum foil (for baking covered)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Make this recipe your own with easy variations:

• Use brown rice – Adjust cooking time and liquid if needed.
• Swap for turkey or chicken meatballs – Lighter but just as tasty.
• Add veggies – Try peas, carrots, or pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist.
• Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
• Try cauliflower rice – For a low-carb option, bake the meatballs separately and serve over cauliflower rice after cooking.

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the dish. Pour chicken broth over the rice. Scatter diced bell peppers (if using) on top.

Place the meatballs evenly over the rice.

Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything, making sure the meatballs are well coated.

Step 3: Bake

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the meatballs are glazed, and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top for a fresh finish.

Scoop and serve!

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

This dish is a complete meal, but you can pair it with:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• A crisp side salad with sesame dressing
• Pickled vegetables for contrast
• Garlic bread or rolls for extra comfort
• Fresh lime wedges for a citrusy kick

Tips for Success

• Use fully cooked meatballs – Saves time and keeps things easy.
• Keep the dish covered while baking – This ensures the rice cooks evenly.
• Don’t overbake – Check the rice at the 40-minute mark to avoid drying it out.
• Customize the sauce – Adjust sweetness or garlic levels to taste.
• Make it ahead – Assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking when ready.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

General Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the bake.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your meatballs are gluten-free.

How do I avoid mushy rice?

Use long-grain white rice and keep the dish covered for even cooking. Don’t overbake.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is the ultimate one-pan dinner. It’s cozy, sticky, sweet, and savory—everything you want in a comfort food casserole. Plus, it’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

One dish, big flavor, minimal cleanup. This recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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July 16, 2025 by Melissa