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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake


  • Author: Kelly Merritt
  • 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

Scale
  • 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
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until browned.
  4. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry if desired, and stir until thickened.
  6. In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer the cooked rice and baked meatballs. Pour sauce over the top and gently mix.
  7. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.
  8. 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