In the kitchen, where culinary dreams come to life, few dishes can make your taste buds dance like a Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake. Picture this: tender meatballs swimming in a luscious, sticky honey garlic sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, baked to perfection. cheesy meatball side dish The aroma wafts through your home, wrapping you in a warm embrace that screams comfort food. You might also enjoy this Cheesy Meatballs Recipe recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?
- What can I substitute for honey?
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Ah, the memories! I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. My kids’ eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning when they caught a whiff of that heavenly scent. They devoured every last bite and begged for seconds! It’s become our go-to for cozy family dinners and last-minute gatherings.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an irresistible taste experience. Its vibrant presentation will impress guests at any dinner party. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite veggies for added nutrition. [/info_box]
Every time I serve this dish, everyone raves about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean ground meat for juiciness without excess fat; turkey offers a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs; use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Eggs: A binder that keeps your meatballs from crumbling; fresh eggs work best.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic quality that enhances the sauce’s flavor profile.
Honey: The star ingredient that adds sweetness and stickiness; opt for raw honey if available.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness. casserole with rich flavors. spicy grilled chicken burrito.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully; rinse before cooking for fluffier results.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a touch of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.
Sesame Seeds: Optional but highly recommended for added crunch and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.
Form the Meatballs: With wet hands, shape small golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps them maintain their shape during baking.
Create the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic until smooth. Bring to a light simmer; let it thicken slightly.
Bake Meatballs with Rice: In a deep baking dish, add uncooked rice as the base layer. Pour in water or broth before placing meatballs on top. Drizzle with half of the honey garlic sauce.
Bake to Perfection!: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. perfect breakfast granola cups Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and rice is fluffy.
Serve hot from the oven with remaining honey garlic sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired!
Now you’ve got yourself a delicious Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake that’s sure to bring smiles around your dinner table! Enjoy every mouthful while basking in compliments about your culinary prowess! For more inspiration, check out this Spicy Honey Pizza recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The aroma of honey and garlic wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. This recipe is perfect for busy nights, as it requires minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients first, then bake them while cooking rice in a separate pot for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground turkey for beef or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect meatballs, avoid overmixing to keep them tender. Use day-old rice; it absorbs flavors better. Adjust honey based on your sweetness preference for a personalized touch! [/info_box]
I once made this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake for a potluck, and it disappeared faster than you could say “second serving.” Friends kept asking for the recipe!
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions for frozen meatballs.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a sweet alternative in this dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to bring some heat to your meal.
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
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, a delightful dish that combines tender meatballs coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to please the entire family with its irresistible sweet and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and packed with deliciousness, it’s a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; mix until just combined.
- Form small golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey and soy sauce until smooth; simmer to thicken slightly.
- In a deep baking dish, add uncooked rice as the base layer and pour in water or broth. Place meatballs on top and drizzle with half of the honey garlic sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and rice is fluffy.
- Serve hot with remaining honey garlic sauce drizzled on top, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
