Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake 🍚🍖
The easiest one-dish dinner your whole family will love!
Craving something cozy, a little sweet, a little savory, and oh-so satisfying? This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is here to save your weeknight dinner! It’s a one-pan wonder loaded with juicy meatballs, tender rice, and a sticky, garlicky glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you use frozen meatballs for a quick fix or your own homemade batch, this dish comes together with almost no fuss—and leaves you with almost no dishes. That’s a win!
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or homemade cooked meatballs
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ÂĽ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Sauté
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in butter or olive oil until soft and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes.
3. Assemble
Add the uncooked rice to your baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth, sautéed aromatics, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
4. Add Meatballs
Nestle your cooked meatballs into the rice mixture evenly throughout the dish.
5. Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
6. Optional Cheesy Top
For an extra indulgent finish, uncover the dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm and dig in!
Tips & Variations
- Garlic butter meatballs make this extra luxurious.
- Add chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Swap white rice for brown rice (increase baking time by 10–15 minutes).
- Want it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
- One pan = fewer dishes
- Family-friendly, picky-eater approved
- Packed with flavor
- Easy to prep ahead and bake later
- Great for leftovers!
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – Serves 6)
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fat: ~15g
This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is your new go-to when you need something hearty, delicious, and effortlessly impressive. Pair it with a side salad or some steamed greens, and dinner is done.
