Irresistible Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender meatballs glazed in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, nestled atop fluffy rice that soaks up every delicious drop. creamy Zucchini Feta Bake The warm smell dances through the air like an enthusiastic puppy, eagerly inviting you to dig in. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles recipe.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture a cozy family dinner where laughter fills the room as everyone dives into their plates, fighting over the last meatball like it’s the golden ticket. Perfect for busy weeknights or those special occasions when you want to impress without breaking a sweat, this recipe promises flavor-packed happiness in every bite.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my aunt nearly wept tears of joy over her plate. It turned into an instant family favorite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef for optimal flavor without too much grease.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
• Honey: Choose a good quality honey; it really enhances the sweetness and glaze. sweet Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; avoid the pre-minced stuff if possible.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best to keep this dish balanced in flavor.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice absorbs flavors beautifully; you can even use brown rice for added nutrition.
• Vegetables (Optional): Carrots and peas add color and nutrients; feel free to toss in your favorites.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and half of the honey. Mix until just combined but don’t overwork it. For more inspiration, check out this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl recipe.

Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands to form small meatballs about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides—about 5 minutes will do—then remove from heat.

Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and fragrant. This is where magic happens!

Add Rice and Meatballs: In a greased baking dish, spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Pour water over rice before placing browned meatballs on top.

Bake It All Together: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove foil during last 10 minutes to create that beautiful glaze on meatballs.

Now that you have all these steps written down like your favorite recipe book from grandma’s kitchen—it’s time to roll up your sleeves! You’ll be serving up this delightful Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal flavor and texture, bake the meatballs first to enhance their juiciness before mixing them with rice and sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that time my friend insisted on bringing dessert to our potluck. She showed up with cookies that looked like they had been through a tornado. But when she tasted my Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, she declared it her new favorite dish!

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Yes, just adjust cooking time to ensure they are heated through completely.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake?

Steamed broccoli or a crisp salad makes a refreshing side dish option. refreshing Mango Cucumber Salad Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your rice is certified gluten-free.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs in a sweet and savory glaze with fluffy rice. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a delicious experience that everyone will love. The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist diving in. With a touch of customization, this dish can cater to various tastes and preferences!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas) – Optional

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, half of the honey, and minced garlic. Mix until just combined.
3. Form small meatballs (about one inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
6. Spread uncooked rice evenly in a greased baking dish; pour water over the rice and place browned meatballs on top.
7. Pour the sauce mixture over meatballs and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until rice is tender; remove foil during the last 10 minutes for glazing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg