Description
A comforting one-pan casserole featuring tender meatballs nestled in seasoned rice with a sweet honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for meatballs)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, 2 minced cloves garlic (for the meatballs), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
- Combine 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons water, and the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle bubble over medium heat.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter diced bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Pour 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth over the rice and stir lightly. Nestle seared meatballs into the rice.
- Pour the honey-garlic sauce over the meatballs and rice.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature: 160°F for ground beef or 165°F for ground chicken. Let rest for 5–10 minutes and serve garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead and freezes well for quick reheating on busy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian