Description
This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting, savory-sweet dish perfect for a family meal. Juicy meatballs are coated in a flavorful honey garlic glaze, nestled atop fluffy rice with colorful vegetables, and baked to perfection for a wholesome, one-dish dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Chicken (substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Chopped Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Minced Garlic (included in meatballs and sauce)
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups Uncooked White Rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter
- 1 cup Diced Bell Peppers (any color)
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season the mixture with black pepper and salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, aiming to make 20-24 meatballs for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step helps to seal in juices and adds color and flavor.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, low sodium soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Heat the mixture until bubbling, stirring occasionally to mix. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water and cook until thickened.
- Layer Rice and Vegetables: Spread uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice, then drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to add richness.
- Add Broth and Meatballs: Pour chicken broth over the rice and vegetables, then gently stir to distribute. Carefully nestle the browned meatballs on top of the rice mixture.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 40 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender, liquid is absorbed, and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh bite and color contrast.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Be sure not to skip browning the meatballs, as it enhances flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add cornstarch gradually and stir well to avoid lumps.
- Using frozen peas adds convenience without compromising on nutrition and color.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the rice fully absorb flavors and improves texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, baked rice dish, one-pan dinner, comfort food, easy family meal, savory sweet meatballs
