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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake, a dish that brings the family together with its delightful blend of tender meatballs, fluffy rice, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also minimizes cleanup. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and simple steps, you can create a satisfying dish that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to allow for ingredient swaps and customizations to suit your family’s tastes. Enjoy the rich flavors and effortless preparation of this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, and salt. Form into small meatballs (about 1–1.5 inches in size).
  3. Sear the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on all sides (2–3 minutes per side).
  4. In a saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic over medium heat until bubbling. Thicken with cornstarch if desired.
  5. Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish and layer with diced bell peppers and frozen peas. Drizzle with olive oil or butter and pour in chicken broth.
  6. Nestle the seared meatballs into the mixture and pour honey garlic sauce over everything.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until rice is tender.

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