I first made this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake on a snowy Tuesday night when I had very little in the fridge besides leftover cooked rice, half a bottle of soy sauce, and some frozen meatballs from a weekend potluck. The kitchen smelled like honey and garlic within minutes—and just like that, a new comfort classic was born.
There’s something magical about sticky, sweet, garlicky sauce baked into fluffy rice. Add meatballs and you’ve got dinner that practically serves itself—and even better, it reheats like a dream. This dish is my go-to for family dinners, meal prep Sundays, or when I want to bring a little warmth to someone having a hard week.
What Is Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake?
It’s a baked casserole dish made from rice, beef meatballs, and a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce. Everything gets layered and baked until the flavors soak into every grain of rice. Think of it like your favorite takeout in cozy, baked form.
This version is a spin-off of classic honey garlic meatballs but with a Southern, oven-baked twist. It’s designed to feed a crowd—or feed you all week.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
- Sticky, savory, slightly sweet. A flavor combo that hits all the right notes.
- Kid and freezer friendly. No complaints, no waste.
- Perfect for weeknights. Make it ahead or throw it in the oven and forget it.
- One dish wonder. Fewer pans, more peace.
Tips for Making the Best Meatball Rice Bake
- Use cooked rice. Day-old rice works beautifully because it soaks up the sauce without turning mushy.
- Homemade or frozen meatballs. Both work. Just cook your homemade ones first.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance the sweetness of the honey.
- Bake covered, then uncovered. This helps the sauce steam and thicken without drying out.
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
It’s as simple as mixing a quick sauce, layering meatballs and rice, and letting the oven do the work.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
(Or use 1 bag of frozen cooked meatballs)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
For the Bake:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs (or skip if using frozen)
Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl and form into 1-inch balls. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened (1–2 minutes).
3. Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly. Layer the meatballs over the rice. Pour the sauce over everything and gently stir to coat. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve
Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sheet pan (if baking meatballs from scratch)
Top Tips for Perfecting This Rice Bake
- Day-old rice is key. It won’t get mushy and absorbs the sauce better.
- Double the sauce if you like it extra sticky. We do.
- Cheese is optional. But if you’re feeling bold, it adds a melty comfort factor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice?
Yes. Brown rice works well but takes longer to reheat. Cauliflower rice can be used, but expect a softer texture.
Is this dish spicy?
No. But you can add sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef?
Absolutely. Any meatball variety works as long as they’re pre-cooked.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
Yes. This recipe requires fully cooked rice or it won’t bake evenly.
Can I skip the cheese?
You sure can. It’s delicious either way.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake has become a weeknight staple in our house. It’s the kind of meal that pleases every generation at the table—and tastes just as good at 9 p.m. as it did fresh out of the oven. Sweet, garlicky, satisfying, and totally doable on a budget. Save it, pin it, share it—you’ll be glad you did.
Print
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This honey garlic meatball rice bake is a cozy, flavorful, one-dish dinner. Made with juicy meatballs, fluffy rice, and a sticky-sweet garlic sauce, it’s a perfect family-friendly comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until browned.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat.
- Add cornstarch slurry if desired, and stir until thickened.
- In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer the cooked rice and baked meatballs. Pour sauce over the top and gently mix.
- Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
Use day-old rice for best texture. Frozen meatballs can be used—just thaw and bake. Feel free to add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, rice bake, one dish dinner, easy meatball casserole
