This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful meatballs, sticky honey garlic sauce, and tender rice, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The great flavors of garlic, honey, and soy sauce elevate the dish to a whole new level.
- Quick and easy prep time makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for meal prep – enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef: Can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Bread crumbs: Help bind the meatballs together for a perfect texture.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish.
- Green onion, chopped: Provides a fresh and aromatic element.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness and saltiness of the dish.
- Cornstarch and water: Thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
- Uncooked rice: Forms the base of the bake.
- Chicken broth: Cooks the rice and adds flavor.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Add color and nutrients to the dish.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, green onion, salt, and pepper to make meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet.
- In a separate bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.
- Layer uncooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, and meatballs in the baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the ingredients and add chicken broth.
- Cover and bake until the rice is cooked through.
- Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick meals.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use lean ground meat to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake with a side of steamed broccoli and a refreshing cucumber salad. Pair it with a glass of iced green tea for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at a low temperature to retain its moisture and flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pre-cooked meatballs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked meatballs, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
- You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Brown rice can be used, but it may require a longer cooking time.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the savory and sweet flavors of this Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake for a comforting and satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your feedback with us!
Print
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and savory dish featuring tender meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, baked with rice, peas, and carrots for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, green onion, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Bake Meatballs: Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Cook until thickened.
- Prepare Rice: In a baking dish, mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, peas, and carrots. Place meatballs on top and pour sauce over.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the rice mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg