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Irresistible Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe You’ll Crave - Featured Image

Irresistible Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe You’ll Crave

Learn how to make delicious Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients — fresh, simple, and flavorful. I always look for quality ground meat, whether it’s beef, turkey, or a mix, because it makes all the difference in taste and texture. Fresh garlic and a good honey elevate the sauce, while long-grain rice ensures the perfect fluffy base that absorbs every bit of that saucy goodness. When I shop, I imagine the final dish and how each ingredient will shine, just like my mom taught me.

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey (substitute with maple syrup for a different twist)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes, but don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked through.
  5. While the meatballs brown, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs over the rice.
  8. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice, ensuring everything is well-coated.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
  10. Remove from oven and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, recipe, cooking, food