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–+ servings

Easy Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Rose
This easy honey garlic meatball rice bake is a cozy, family-approved dinner made with tender meatballs, fluffy rice, melted cheese, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a comforting one-dish meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • saucepan
  • baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • sliced green onions or chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently, then roll into evenly sized meatballs. Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato sauce, and vinegar or lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom and drizzle with olive oil or butter.
  • Arrange the browned meatballs over the rice. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions or parsley and serve.

Notes

Use day-old rice for the best texture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos if needed. This dish reheats and freezes very well.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword family friendly dinner, honey garlic meatballs, meatball rice bake, one dish dinner
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