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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Maya

Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

A comforting oven-baked dish with tender honey garlic meatballs nestled into fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce that soaks into every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Comfort Food
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g ground beef or ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and salt. Form into 20–24 small meatballs.
  3. Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  4. Simmer honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic. Add cornstarch slurry if desired and cook until slightly thickened.
  5. Spread uncooked rice in baking dish. Add bell peppers and peas. Drizzle oil, pour broth, and stir lightly. Nestle meatballs into rice.
  6. Pour sauce over top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until rice is tender and meatballs reach 165°F.
  7. Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Ground chicken makes this dish lighter, while ground beef adds richness.