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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender meatballs glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, baked with fluffy rice and melty cheese. Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, this dish combines juicy meatballs, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese for a family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons water or broth

Base & Toppings

  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar recommended; plant-based cheese option for dairy-free)
  • Green onions or chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs using your hands or a scoop for even portions.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust but are not fully cooked through. This step locks in juices and flavor for baking.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water or broth until smooth and fragrant. This sauce will glaze the meatballs with a sweet and savory flavor.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Spread cooked rice evenly in a baking dish as the base layer. Arrange the seared meatballs evenly over the rice. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and rice. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and firm up the dish.

Notes

  • Make ahead prep: Cook rice and meatballs in advance to reduce active cooking time on busy nights.
  • For thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) when whisking the honey garlic sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic cloves for best flavor; avoid powdered garlic substitutes.
  • Mix meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender and juicy, avoiding dense meatballs.
  • Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Garlic Meatballs, Rice Bake, One-Pan Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Weeknight Recipe, Gluten-Free Dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/honey-garlic-meatball-rice-bake/