Easy Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake | One-Pan Comfort Food
Make this honey garlic meatball rice bake for a quick, family-friendly dinner. Juicy meatballs, tender rice, and a sweet-savory honey garlic glaze baked in one pan. Perfect for weeknights!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish or casserole pan
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Foil for covering
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef, pork, or chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Rice Base
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine recommended)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Make Meatballs
- Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.Shape into 1–1.5 inch balls.
Prepare Sauce
- Simmer honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar in a saucepan.Add cornstarch slurry and whisk until thickened.
Assemble Bake
- Spread rinsed rice and broth in casserole dish.Add vegetables.Place meatballs on top and pour sauce evenly.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 minutes to caramelize glaze.
Garnish & Serve
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Rice Tip: Rinse rice before baking to avoid gummy texture.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready.
- Variations: Add chili flakes for spice, mozzarella for cheesy twist, or swap glaze for tomato-herb sauce.
- Serving Idea: Present in casserole dish for rustic, family-style dining.