Hearty Meatball Stew

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of meatball stew, isn’t there? Imagine the hearty aroma wafting through your kitchen as tender meatballs simmer alongside vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, inviting you to dig in and savor every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you need comfort food, this meatball stew is here to rescue you from the ordinary.

Now, speaking of rescue missions, I remember the first time I attempted to make meatball stew. My best friend promised it would be foolproof. Spoiler alert: I ended up with a kitchen that looked like a food war zone and a stew that could double as wallpaper paste. But the laughs we shared and the delicious outcome made it all worth it. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy date nights, or just when you want to impress yourself with your culinary prowess while wearing pajamas.

The last time I made this stew, my kids thought they were dining at a fancy restaurant instead of our little kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy meatballs that hold their shape.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together while adding texture.
• Eggs: One egg helps hold the mixture together consider using two if you prefer softer meatballs.
• Onion: A medium onion diced finely adds sweetness and depth sauté until translucent for best results.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots contribute both color and crunch chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture they absorb flavors beautifully during cooking.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic elevates flavor don’t be shy more garlic equals more happiness
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes as they create a rich base fire-roasted varieties add smokiness.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness while ensuring robust flavor throughout the stew.
• Herbs (Parsley & Basil): Fresh herbs brighten the dish toss in some parsley at the end for freshness.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors adjust to taste before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overworking it this keeps your meatballs tender.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent about 4-5 minutes then toss in chopped carrots and stir for another 3 minutes.

Brown the Meatballs: Form small meatballs (about 1 inch) from your mixture and add them directly into the pot with vegetables. Sear on all sides until browned but not fully cooked through about 5-7 minutes total.

Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in canned tomatoes and beef broth while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds incredible depth of flavor.

Incorporate Potatoes & Simmer: Stir in chopped potatoes along with dried herbs like basil or thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low and let simmer covered for about 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Finish & Serve Hot : Taste your stew and adjust seasoning as necessary. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness.

This delightful meatball stew will warm your heart (and your belly). Enjoy every last spoonful as you bask in its flavorful glory

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the meatballs first for a caramelized crust, then simmer them gently with veggies to lock in all that delicious flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what’s in season or your family’s favorites. Adding some spicy peppers can really kick things up

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavor and texture.

Sharing my first experience making meatball stew was memorable my friends devoured every drop, demanding the recipe. Their smiles made all those hours of stirring worth it

FAQ

What can I serve with meatball stew?

Meatball stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.

Can I freeze meatball stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to containers.

How long does meatball stew last in the fridge?

In an airtight container, it lasts about three days in the refrigerator without losing flavor.

Print

Meatball Stew

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lena
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm up your evening with this comforting meatball stew, where tender meatballs simmer in a savory broth alongside hearty vegetables. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it the perfect solution for chilly nights or anytime you crave something cozy. With its rich aroma and vibrant colors, this stew will impress family and friends alike while providing a nurturing hug for your taste buds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined but don’t overmix.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 4-5 minutes), then add carrots and cook for another 3 minutes.
3. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch) from the mixture and brown them in the pot for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the pot; scrape any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Stir in diced potatoes and dried herbs; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot. Top with fresh parsley for garnish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg