Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
This is one of those dishes that makes the whole kitchen smell like something really good is happening. Sweet honey and garlicky soy bubbling on the stove, ginger doing its cozy little thing in the background, and a pan in the oven turning glossy and caramelized around the edges? Yep. That’s the vibe.
A Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is the kind of dinner you make when you want comfort and flavor without juggling a million pans. It’s warm, hearty, and just a little sticky in the best way — with tender pork meatballs tucked over fluffy jasmine rice and pops of bell pepper and peas. Every scoop gets you a little bit of everything, and the top turns slightly golden and lacquered like a takeout favorite… only fresher, cozier, and made in your own home.
It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or having leftovers you actually look forward to.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 1/2 pounds ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
For the Rice Bake
3 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old is ideal)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for a cheesy twist)
Garnish
Extra sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Mix gently until everything is just combined — try not to overmix, because that can make the meatballs tough.
Roll into about 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs
Bake for 18–20 minutes, until fully cooked and the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).
They’ll come out golden and juicy, and you’ll probably want to “taste test” one immediately. Fair.
4. Make the honey garlic sauce
While the meatballs bake, add honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar to a saucepan over medium heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour it into the sauce while stirring.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens and turns glossy — like the kind of sauce that clings to a spoon and makes everything look shiny and irresistible.
5. Prepare the rice base
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and peas and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they soften slightly and brighten up.
Stir in the cooked rice and sesame oil. Mix until everything is warmed through and evenly combined. (Day-old rice works so well here because it stays fluffy and doesn’t turn mushy.)
6. Assemble the bake
Spread the rice mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Arrange the baked meatballs on top, spacing them out so every scoop gets a few.
Now pour that honey garlic sauce over everything — don’t hold back. Let it drip into the rice and coat the meatballs.
7. Optional cheesy layer
If you’re going for the mozzarella twist, sprinkle it evenly over the top. It’s a little unexpected with honey garlic… but honestly? It works.
8. Final bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until everything is bubbly and the top starts to caramelize in little sticky edges.
Those browned corners are going to be fought over. Just saying.
9. Garnish and serve
Let it cool for a minute or two, then sprinkle with extra green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve warm — and make sure you scoop all the way down to get rice, sauce, and meatball in every bite.
Presentation
This rice bake looks extra inviting served straight from the dish, family-style, with a shower of green onions and sesame seeds right before it hits the table. If you want it to feel a little more “special,” spoon it into shallow bowls and top each serving with a few extra sesame seeds and bright green onion slices for color.
A little crunchy side is perfect here — something like cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or quick sesame green beans. That contrast makes the sweet-and-savory flavors pop even more.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
🔥 Kcal: ~680 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is cozy, sticky-sweet comfort with a savory punch — the kind of dinner that disappears fast and somehow tastes even better the next day. It’s easy to prep, easy to serve, and packed with those warm, familiar flavors everyone loves.
If you’re looking for a weeknight win or a dish that makes leftovers exciting, try this soon. And don’t forget to save a corner piece for yourself — the caramelized edges are everything.