Sweet & Savory Meatball Rice Bake

ByDjihane August 9, 2025

Short description

Tender glazed meatballs baked with fluffy seasoned rice, bell peppers, and green onions for a hearty, one‑pan comfort meal that’s full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines sweet, savory, and umami flavors in a single comforting bake.
One‑dish preparation makes cleanup easy—ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: works with beef, pork, or a mix, and accommodates pantry staples.

ingredients

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

Ground beef or pork (or a mix)
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Soy sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt & pepper
Cooked rice
Bell peppers, diced
Glaze (soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup)
Green onions, chopped

directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; form into small meatballs.
Brown the meatballs in a skillet—no need to cook through.
Mix glaze ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup) in a separate bowl.
In a baking dish, combine cooked rice and diced bell peppers; nestle in the meatballs and drizzle the glaze over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep time: Approximately 20 minutes (Facebook, EatingWell, The Seasoned Mom, Allrecipes)
Cook time: About 40–45 minutes total (20 minutes covered, followed by 10 minutes uncovered) (Facebook)
Total time: Around 1 hour 5 minutes (Facebook)
Servings: Typically serves around 6–8 people, depending on portion size.

Variations

Use frozen or pre-made meatballs to simplify prep—just skip the browning stage. (The Seasoned Mom, YouTube)
Swap bell peppers for onions, mushrooms, or zucchini for different textures and flavors.
Drizzle a little honey or sriracha into the glaze for sweetness or a hint of heat.
Fold in cheese during the last bake phase for a creamy finish.

Storage and reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven until warmed through, or microwave with a splash of water to keep rice moist.
According to a dump-and-bake variation, leftovers can be eaten cold or reheated thoroughly (The Seasoned Mom, Don’t Go Bacon My Heart).

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes—You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

2. What type of rice works best?

Day-old cooked rice works well to absorb glaze without becoming mushy.

3. Can I use a different grain?

Absolutely—quinoa or cauliflower rice are great substitutions.

4. How can I lighten this dish?

Use lean turkey or chicken meatballs and reduce the brown sugar in the glaze.

5. What if I can’t find breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers or oats can serve as a binder in the meatballs.

6. Can this be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer ingredients and cook on low for ~3 hours, topping with glaze in the final stage.

7. How do I prevent soggy rice?

Ensure rice is well-drained and don’t over-glaze—just enough to coat.

8. Are there vegetarian options?

Yes—swap meatballs for plant-based varieties, and use vegetable stock in the glaze.

9. Can I add fresh herbs?

Definitely—parsley or cilantro added after baking brightens the flavor.

10. What sides pair well?

Serve with a crisp side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors.

Conclusion

This Sweet & Savory Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal with smart prep and flexibility to fit your pantry and taste preferences. With savory meatballs, fragrant rice, and a glossy, tangy glaze, it’s effortless yet satisfying. Let me know if you’d like nutritional estimates, wine pairing suggestions, or ideas for themed variations!

Djihane