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Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

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This honey garlic meatball rice bake is a comforting one-pan meal packed with juicy meatballs, fluffy rice, and a sticky-sweet garlic glaze. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that bakes everything together—no extra steps or mess.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

Ground beef or ground chicken

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

¼ cup finely chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

⅓ cup honey

¼ cup low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

¼ cup water

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Rice Bake:

1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)

2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

1 cup diced bell peppers

½ cup frozen peas

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a bowl, combine meatball ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Roll into 1–1½ inch balls.

In another bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic. Stir in cornstarch if using.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread uncooked rice in the bottom and pour in the broth and olive oil.

Sprinkle diced bell peppers and peas evenly over the rice.

Arrange uncooked meatballs on top of the rice and vegetables.

Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the entire dish.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.

Uncover and broil for 2–3 minutes if desired for a caramelized finish.

Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

Notes

Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.

Brown rice works, but extend bake time by 15–20 minutes.

Add extra veggies like corn or zucchini.

Swap honey with maple syrup for refined sugar-free option.

Add chili flakes for spice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/honey-garlic-meatball-rice-bake/