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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

DishCharm
A one-pan meal featuring juicy meatballs, fluffy rice, and a sticky honey garlic sauce. This dish combines sweet and savory flavors with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish (9x13 inches) For assembling and baking the casserole.
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For preparing the meatball mixture.
  • 1 Whisk For mixing the honey garlic sauce.
  • Optional Skillet For browning the meatballs before baking.

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground beef, chicken, or turkey Beef or pork adds richness; chicken or turkey works for lighter options.
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the mixture together.
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder Adds depth of flavor.
  • ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground preferred.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ½ cup Honey Adjust sweetness to preference.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced fine for aroma.
  • ¼ cup Soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free diets.
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar or water Balances sweetness and acidity.

For the Rice Base

  • 1½ cups Long-grain or jasmine rice Brown rice can be substituted but requires more liquid and time.
  • 2¼ cups Chicken broth or water Adjust based on rice type and package instructions.
  • 1 cup Mixed vegetables (optional) Bell peppers, peas, carrots, etc., for color and nutrition.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Recipe

    Prepare the Meatballs:

    • In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
    • Roll the mixture into small, even-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).

    Brown the Meatballs (Optional):

    • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

    Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar or water until smooth. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste.

    Assemble the Casserole:

    • Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add mixed vegetables if using.
    • Pour half of the honey garlic sauce over the rice and stir lightly to coat.
    • Arrange the meatballs evenly on top of the rice. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs. Add chicken broth or water to cover the rice fully.

    Bake the Casserole:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
    • Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Check near the end; add more liquid if needed.
    • Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and develop a glossy finish.

    Rest and Serve:

    • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

    Notes

      • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
      • Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
      • Substitutions: Use brown rice for a healthier option (increase liquid and cooking time as needed). Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
     
     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What are the key ingredients for a Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake?
      • Ground meat, rice, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and chicken broth form the base of the dish.
       
    2. What type of meatballs work best for this casserole?
      • Beef, pork, chicken, or turkey meatballs work well. Pre-cooked or frozen meatballs can be used for convenience.
       
    3. How long should you bake the casserole for optimal texture?
      • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sauce has thickened.
       
    4. Can you substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
      • Use brown rice or plant-based meatballs for healthier options. Tamari replaces soy sauce for gluten-free diets.
       
    5. What is the best way to serve this dish?
      • Serve hot directly from the oven. Keep covered until serving to retain moisture and flavor.
       
    6. What sides pair well with this casserole?
      • Steamed vegetables, fresh salads, or garlic bread complement the dish perfectly.
     
     

    Tips & Tricks

    • Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of sesame oil to the sauce for extra depth. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or red pepper flakes for texture and spice.
    • Presentation: Serve in a shallow bowl or plate with garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
    • Leftovers: Use leftover casserole as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a quick lunch option.
     
     

    Plating and Garnishing

    • Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds over the casserole for freshness and visual appeal.
    • Serving Style: Serve directly from the baking dish or transfer portions to individual plates. Pair with steamed broccoli or a side salad for a balanced meal.
    • Pairings: Complement with light sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
    Keyword Easy Weeknight Dinner, Honey Garlic Meatballs, One-Pan Meal