Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Brown the Meat: Heat half of your sesame garlic oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your choice of meat and cook until fully browned.

Layer the Components: Evenly spread the uncooked rice along the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the cooked meat directly over the rice, scraping any savory pan drippings over the top.

Add the Rainbow Veggies: Scatter the yellow squash, broccoli florets, green beans, carrots, and diced tomatoes evenly over the meat and rice layer.

Pour the Seasoned Liquid: Whisk your water, soy sauce, black pepper, and the remaining sesame garlic oil together in a measuring cup. Pour this liquid evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all the rice is well-submerged.

Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the rice has absorbed the savory water mixture and turned perfectly tender.

Add the Finishing Touch: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly across the top along with your personal choice of extra seasoning, salt, or garlic salt to taste. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to lightly toast the seeds.

Rest and Serve: Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices and rich flavors settle before serving.