Description
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting one-pan dinner featuring juicy meatballs coated in sticky honey garlic sauce, baked with fluffy rice that soaks up all the sweet and savory flavors. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 lbs fully cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
– 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 (slurry)
For the Casserole:
– 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing dish)
– Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter.
2. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
3. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Spread uncooked rice evenly in the casserole dish. Pour chicken broth over the rice. Add diced bell peppers if using.
5. Place meatballs evenly over the rice.
6. Pour honey garlic sauce over meatballs and rice, coating everything well.
7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes, until rice is tender and sauce is bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped chives or green onions, and serve.
Notes
– Use fully cooked meatballs to save time.
– Swap for turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
– Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist.
– For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked Casserole
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, meatball rice bake, one pan dinner, casserole recipe, sweet and savory meatballs, family dinner idea