These juicy homemade meatballs are smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ glaze and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Sweet, savory, and ultra-satisfying, this dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family-style meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Glazed BBQ Meatballs with Rice is the kind of dish that checks every box: flavorful, filling, and family-friendly. The meatballs are tender and seasoned to perfection, while the sticky BBQ glaze adds a sweet and smoky depth that pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your favorite barbecue flavors. Whether served for a casual dinner or made ahead for meal prep, it’s a reliable comfort dish with wide appeal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped parsley (optional)

For the BBQ glaze:

• BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• Honey or brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Water
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

To serve:

• Cooked white rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing.
3. Form into small oval or round meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size.
4. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer.
6. Optional: Mix cornstarch with a splash of water, then stir into the sauce to thicken.
7. Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the glaze. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Serve meatballs hot over cooked white rice and garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Turkey or chicken meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce for more heat.
• Asian-inspired: Use teriyaki sauce in place of BBQ sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Cheesy twist: Mix a small cube of cheese into the center of each meatball before baking.
• Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed vegetables instead of white rice.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatballs and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Just bake or heat according to the package, then glaze them in the skillet with the sauce.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Use a sauce you enjoy — sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Glaze them in sauce just before serving.

What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?

White jasmine or basmati rice works well, but you can also serve it with brown rice or quinoa.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and don’t skip the glaze step — the sauce helps keep them moist and flavorful.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. You may need to cook the meatballs in two batches depending on your oven size.

Is the cornstarch necessary for the glaze?

No, it’s optional. The sauce will naturally reduce and thicken slightly during simmering, but cornstarch helps it coat the meatballs more evenly.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, after baking the meatballs, you can transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce and keep them warm for serving.

What can I serve on the side?

A green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Glazed BBQ Meatballs with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together classic ingredients in a satisfying and versatile way. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed family dinner, this recipe offers ease without compromising taste. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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