Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of Honey Garlic Meatball & Rice Bake, a perfect blend of savory meatballs and fluffy rice drizzled with a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. This one-pan wonder is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing a comforting weeknight meal, this dish promises to impress everyone at the table. The tender homemade meatballs made from ground beef or chicken marry beautifully with vibrant vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.

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 low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons water
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 cup uncooked long grain or jasmine white rice
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix ground beef or chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, and salt until just combined. Form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
Sear the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic; simmer for a few minutes to create the sauce.
Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish and layer with diced bell peppers and peas. Drizzle with olive oil and pour in chicken broth.
Nestle seared meatballs into the mixture and pour honey garlic sauce over everything.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until rice is cooked.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
Calories: 385
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand for added versatility. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs as garnish before serving.