Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
Discover the delightful flavors of Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe, a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. With its sweet and savory sauce and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 800mg
Why Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
The Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to pack in some nutrition with minimal effort. The combination of meat, rice, and fresh vegetables makes it a complete meal, perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, you can easily swap out proteins, use leftovers, or add in your favorite veggies, making it a versatile dish that fits any palate.
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe Step by Step
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
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)
1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
2 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)
Directions
Preheat 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 to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside. Remove from heat and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and finely minced garlic. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble gently. If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice and vegetables. Give a gentle stir to ensure the rice is well distributed. Nestle the browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing them down slightly so they are partially submerged.
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to brown the top and finish cooking the rice and meatballs. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving for a fresh and colorful garnish.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
For a well-rounded meal, serve the Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a spicy dipping sauce to add an extra kick.
How to Store Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
This dish is perfect for leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or let it heat in the oven until warmed through. For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially in the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey to suit your taste.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables; chopped carrots or broccoli work well too.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.
- If you prefer a one-pan meal, you can prepare everything in a Dutch oven on the stove instead of in a baking dish.
Delicious Variations of Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
- For a spicy twist, add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for an herby flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or chickpeas and enjoy the same great taste.
This Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe is truly a dish you won’t want to miss. With its irresistible flavor, ease of preparation, and flexibility in ingredients, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful fusion of sweet and savory in every bite!
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and finely minced garlic. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice.
- Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice and vegetables. Give a gentle stir to ensure the rice is well distributed.
- Nestle the browned meatballs into the mixture, pressing them down slightly so they are partially submerged.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the meatballs and rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to brown the top and finish cooking the rice and meatballs.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.
