Description
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting, one-pan dish featuring savory meatballs in a sweet and garlicky sauce, baked with fluffy rice and colorful vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) 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)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 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)
- For the Rice Bake:
- 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 oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into small meatballs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, garlic, and cornstarch (if using) to make the sauce.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, bell peppers, and peas. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Arrange meatballs on top of the rice mixture and pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over everything.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use ground chicken for a lighter version or beef for a richer flavor.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and baked later; adjust cooking time slightly if chilled.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American