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–+ servings
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Delight

An easy weeknight dinner featuring savory meatballs in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze over fluffy rice, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Chicken Substitution: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Substitution: Use crushed crackers or oats for gluten-free options.
  • 1 large Egg No direct substitution recommended but may omit for vegan versions.
  • 1 small Onion, diced Finely chopped shallot can also be used.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder can substitute for fresh if needed.
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Optional; omit if unavailable or use olive oil.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust salt according to personal preference.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to personal preference.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Honey Substitution: Maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium recommended.
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup Tomato paste can be used in a pinch.
  • 1/4 cup Water Chicken or vegetable broth can enhance flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch If omitted, sauce will be thinner.
For the Rice Base
  • 1 cup Uncooked White Rice Brown rice or quinoa can substitute, though cooking times will vary.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Customize with low-sodium options.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter Either can be substituted based on dietary needs.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced Zucchini or carrots can serve as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Any frozen veggie mix can work.
  • 3 stalks Green Onions Optional for garnish; chives or parsley can be used.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small saucepan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll the mixture into about 20-24 small meatballs, searing them in a skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  4. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and garlic; heat until bubbling. Mix cornstarch with a splash of water to thicken if desired.
  5. Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish, scatter bell peppers and peas, drizzle with olive oil and chicken broth.
  6. Nestle the browned meatballs into the rice and vegetable mixture.
  7. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, coating them thoroughly.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
  9. Check that meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Prepare in advance for easy weeknight dinner. Adapt ingredients based on preferences.

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