Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe – Easy Family Comfort Food Dinner Idea
This honey garlic meatball rice bake recipe is sweet, savory, and cheesy, made with tender meatballs, rice, and honey garlic sauce baked into a comforting casserole. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or a crowd-pleasing comfort food dish.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet
- Whisk
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1½ lbs ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Rice Base:
- 1½ cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup broth
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape into small balls.
- Brown Meatballs: Sear in a skillet until lightly browned.
- Make Sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Layer Dish: Spread uncooked rice in a greased casserole dish. Pour broth over rice. Nestle browned meatballs on top.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle honey garlic sauce evenly over meatballs and rice.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
- Finish: Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Protein Options: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs.
- Rice Alternatives: Quinoa, brown rice (longer cook time), or cauliflower rice.
- Flavor Twists: Add ginger, chili flakes, or sesame oil for depth.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use tamari for gluten-free, low-sodium broth for lighter flavor.
- Meal Prep Tip: Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheats beautifully.