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To make this dish, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to form tasty meatballs, which make the base of this dish. The honey garlic sauce adds a sweet and savory kick. For this sauce, gather: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) This sauce is simple to make and full of flavor. You can make your dish even better with some toppings. Consider adding: - 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend) - Extra green onions for garnishing These toppings will make your dish look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the meatballs, start with a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken. Next, mix in 1 cup of cooked rice. Then, add ½ cup of breadcrumbs and 1 large egg. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Now, toss in ½ cup of chopped green onions and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until just combined. For the sauce, grab a small saucepan. Over low heat, combine ½ cup of honey and ¼ cup of low sodium soy sauce. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. If you like heat, toss in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mix until it is smooth and warm. Once heated, remove it from the heat. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, form the meatball mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, get a large oven-safe dish. Place the baked meatballs inside. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them, making sure they are coated well. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Put the dish back in the oven. Bake it for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake! To shape meatballs, first, dampen your hands. This simple step stops the meat from sticking. Take a small amount of the mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Roll it gently between your palms. Make sure they are all about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Place them on a lined baking sheet as you go. Taste is personal. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a saltier kick, try more soy sauce. Mix and taste until you find your perfect balance. The sauce should coat the meatballs well. To ensure even baking, preheat your oven to the right temperature. Place meatballs with space between them on the tray. This allows hot air to circulate. Bake them until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Check with a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C). Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and quality honey for the sauce to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors on top of your meatballs. Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch of meatballs and freeze them for quick meals later; just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Instead of ground turkey or chicken, try ground beef or pork. Each meat gives a different taste. You can also use cooked lentils for a healthy twist. They add texture and flavor to the dish. If you want a lighter option, shredded chicken works well too. To make this dish vegan, swap the meat for plant-based options. Use a mix of black beans, chickpeas, or lentils. For the egg, use flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer. You can also try tofu or tempeh for added protein. For a vegetarian option, use cheese made from plant sources. This keeps the dish creamy without animal products. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also mix in sriracha or chili sauce. This gives the dish a nice kick. For a sweeter taste, increase the honey amount in the sauce. You can even add a splash of orange juice for a fruity twist. Adjust the sauce to fit your taste and enjoy experimenting! After enjoying your Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, let it cool. Once cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready for your next meal. To reheat, take the desired portion and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. Allow the dish to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can enjoy this tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just thaw them before cooking. You may need to bake them a bit longer to ensure they heat through. Be sure to coat them well with the honey garlic sauce for great flavor. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. Rice is great on its own, but adding a side of roasted veggies can boost nutrition. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check all labels on your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This makes the dish safe for everyone! In this post, we covered how to make a tasty Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake. We discussed the key ingredients, tips for perfect meatballs, and made it easy to adjust flavors. You learned how to bake and serve this dish, along with storage tips. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or toppings for fun. This meal is simple to prepare and full of flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

A delicious and easy-to-make meatball bake with honey garlic sauce, served over rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
  • extra green onions for garnishing

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey or chicken, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and heated through. Remove from heat.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  • In a large oven-safe dish, place the baked meatballs. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
  • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with extra chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve directly in the dish, garnished with additional green onions. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad complements the meal well.
Keyword bake, honey garlic, meatballs