Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, a delightful one-dish meal that effortlessly combines savory meatballs with fluffy rice, all enveloped in a luscious honey garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings, and its easy preparation makes it a go-to choice for busy weeknights. With customizable ingredients and a family-friendly appeal, this recipe promises to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but recommended)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons water
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
1/2 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt until just mixed. Form small meatballs (20–24 total).
Heat oil in a skillet and sear meatballs until browned on all sides.
In a saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic over medium heat until bubbling; thicken with cornstarch if desired.
Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish; top with vegetables and broth. Nestle seared meatballs into the rice mixture and pour honey garlic sauce on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until rice is cooked.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (250g)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For variety, substitute ground turkey or lamb for the meat. Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition. Use low-sodium soy sauce for better flavor control.