Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

🍲 Mediterranean Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb (or a mix of beef & turkey)

• 1 small onion, finely grated

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or mint

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the rice base:

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• ½ small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the honey-garlic glaze:

• 3 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor)

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Toppings (optional but amazing):

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan

• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven:
   Set to 190°C (375°F).

2. Make the meatballs:

   • In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Form small balls (about 1 inch).

   • Lightly brown them in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil for 3–4 minutes to seal in the juices (they’ll finish baking later).

3. Prepare the rice base:

   • In a large ovenproof dish or deep baking pan, combine rice, broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

   • Stir to mix evenly.

4. Add meatballs:

   • Nestle the browned meatballs into the rice mixture.

   • Cover tightly with foil.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

   • (Check halfway through — if the rice looks dry, add a splash more broth.)

6. Prepare the honey-garlic glaze:

   • In a small saucepan, mix honey, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and chili flakes.

   • Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

7. Finish the bake:

   • Remove the foil and drizzle the honey-garlic glaze over the meatballs and rice.

   • Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until everything is golden and caramelized.

8. Serve:

   • Sprinkle with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.

   • Serve hot with Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side.

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🌿 Mediterranean Tips & Variations:

• Add roasted red peppers or olives to the rice for extra flavor.

• Use brown rice or quinoa (just increase liquid and cooking time).

• For a vegetarian version — replace meatballs with falafel balls or chickpea patties, and glaze them the same way.