Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines juicy meatballs, fluffy rice, and a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for meal prep. It’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it is simple, tasty, and can feed a crowd. The flavors of honey and garlic blend beautifully together, making the meatballs flavorful and the rice wonderfully aromatic. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Form this mixture into small meatballs.
- In a baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
- In another bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the rice.
- Place the meatballs on top of the rice and pour the chicken broth over everything.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
Serve the Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake warm from the oven. You can garnish it with extra chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and freshness. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
How to Store Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake
- Make sure the rice is spread out evenly in the dish for even cooking.
- You can use different types of meat, like ground chicken or pork, for variety.
- If you prefer, you can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
Variation
You can vary this dish by using brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. You can also try adding spices like red pepper flakes for a little heat or different herbs for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just adjust baking time to ensure they are heated through.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
