This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a hearty and flavorful one-dish dinner that’s both family-friendly and easy to prep. Juicy meatballs are baked over a bed of garlicky, soy-honey infused rice for a savory-sweet combination that’s comforting and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together with minimal cleanup and loads of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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One-Dish Wonder: No need to cook rice or meatballs separately—everything bakes together.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and reheat for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
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Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey, tangy vinegar, umami-rich soy sauce, and garlicky goodness.
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Kid-Approved: Subtle flavors and hearty texture make this a family favorite.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Components:
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Meatballs (1 lb, frozen or homemade): The protein base of the dish; already cooked to simplify the bake.
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White rice (1½ cups, uncooked): Absorbs all the delicious broth and flavor during baking.
Flavor Base:
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Chicken broth (3 cups): Cooks the rice and infuses it with savory depth.
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Garlic (4 cloves) & onion (1 small): Adds a rich aromatic base that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Honey Garlic Sauce:
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Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Provides salty umami flavor.
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Honey (¼ cup): Brings sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
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Rice vinegar or lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds brightness to balance the sweetness.
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Red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces subtle heat for those who enjoy a kick.
Fats & Finishers:
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Butter or olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté and enhance flavor.
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Green onions or parsley (for garnish): Fresh and vibrant finish.
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Shredded cheese (optional): Adds a melty, golden top if broiled at the end.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use Jasmine or Basmati Rice for extra fragrance and fluff.
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Avoid Minute Rice—it will overcook and become mushy.
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Don’t Skip the Foil: Sealing the dish is essential for even rice cooking.
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Add Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or peas can be added for a full meal in one.
Variations and Customizations:
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Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
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Asian-Inspired: Stir in hoisin or sesame oil for deeper flavor.
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Cheesy Bake: Top with mozzarella or cheddar for a melty finish.
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Low Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice (adjust liquid accordingly).
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Vegetarian Option: Use veggie meatballs and veggie broth.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Serve With:
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
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Asian-style slaw
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Garlic naan or crusty bread
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Drink Pairings:
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Iced green tea
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Ginger ale
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A light lager or sparkling water with citrus
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Storage Instructions:
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave individual servings or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Popular Questions:
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes and check for doneness before removing from the oven.
Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs first?
No need—just ensure they’re fully pre-cooked before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans for big gatherings.
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sweet and mild garlic sauce is a hit with picky eaters.