Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Name: Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Ingredients: 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; 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 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine); 3 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)

17 steps

Updated at: Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:29:05 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Uh-oh! We're unable to calculate nutrition for this recipe because some ingredients aren't recognized.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Preheat and Prepare

Step 2

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 3

2. Make the Meatballs

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 5

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.

Step 6

In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sear the meatballs just until browned on the outside—about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to cook through yet; they’ll finish in the oven.

Step 7

3. Prepare the Sauce

Step 8

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic. Stir over medium heat until it begins to bubble gently. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it in. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 9

4. Assemble the Bake

Step 10

In your greased baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Scatter in the diced bell peppers and frozen peas. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the rice and veggies.

Step 11

Carefully pour the chicken broth over everything. Give it a light stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed. Then, nestle the browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing them down slightly so they’re partly submerged.

Step 12

Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top of the meatballs and rice.

Step 13

5. Bake to Perfection

Step 14

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the top is slightly golden.

Step 15

Check to make sure the liquid has been absorbed and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 16

6. Garnish and Serve

Step 17

Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.