Description
A sticky, slightly sweet glaze coats tender meatballs baked right on top of fluffy rice — all in one dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (extra for the sauce)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix gently.
- Shape the mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs 2–3 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Optional: Stir cornstarch into a tablespoon of cold water and add while simmering for a thicker sauce.
- Spread uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish and scatter bell peppers and frozen peas over the rice, then drizzle with olive oil or dot with butter.
- Pour chicken broth over the rice and stir gently to combine.
- Nestle the seared meatballs on top of the rice and pour the honey-garlic sauce over everything.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with green onions, and serve.
Notes
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian