Hearty Meatball Stew

Name: Hearty Meatball Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned); 1 large egg; ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 medium carrots (diced); 2 medium potatoes (cut into chunks); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

By Lisa

April 2, 2025

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Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a hearty meatball stew. Picture this: savory meatballs swimming in a rich, aromatic broth, simmering away while you kick back and enjoy the comforting smell wafting through your home. This is not just any stew it’s a hug in a bowl that wraps you up in warm flavors and cozy memories.

I remember the first time I made this meatball stew. It was a cold evening, and my friends were over for a movie marathon. As soon as they walked in, they were greeted by the intoxicating aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering goodness. The response was immediate everyone gathered around the pot like moths to a flame, eager to dive into this delicious goodness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This meatball stew is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, with tender meatballs soaking up all the delicious broth
Its visual appeal will draw everyone to the table, featuring vibrant vegetables and golden-brown meatballs
Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for variety

I’ll never forget how my friends devoured every last drop of that stew, asking for seconds and thirds. Their delighted faces said it all this recipe had scored major points

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess fat.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together.
Eggs: One egg helps hold everything together while adding moisture.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds brightness and freshness to the meatballs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances sweetness as it cooks down.
Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color to your stew.
Potatoes: Cut into chunks, potatoes provide heartiness to each serving.
Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for a tangy base packed with flavor.
Broth or Stock: Chicken or beef broth forms the flavorful backbone of your stew.
Bay Leaves: These leaves bring an earthy depth to your simmering stew.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all flavors within the dish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Create the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes until golden brown they don’t need to be fully cooked yet.

Sauté Vegetables: Remove meatballs from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and carrots sauté until onions become translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add Potatoes and Tomatoes: Toss in diced potatoes along with canned tomatoes (juice included) into your sautéed veggies. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Pour in Broth: Slowly pour chicken or beef broth into the pot while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom it adds great flavor Add bay leaves at this stage for extra depth.

Add Back Meatballs: Return browned meatballs back into the pot gently. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Enjoy cooking? Just wait until you taste this stew The aroma fills your kitchen like an invitation one that no one can resist

As you enjoy each spoonful of this delightful meatball stew, remember it’s more than just food it’s about creating warmth around your table on those chilly nights when comfort food feels like an embrace

You Must Know

Meatball stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meatballs with rich, hearty broth
This dish gets better as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers
The smell of simmering tomatoes and spices fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs for flavor, then add vegetables and broth to simmer. This sequence ensures a rich taste and perfectly cooked ingredients.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brightness. You could also swap beef for turkey or incorporate different vegetables based on your preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatball stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfect meatballs, don’t overmix the ingredients just combine until moist
Browning them adds depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish
If you’re short on time, use frozen meatballs as a quick alternative without sacrificing too much taste

Sharing my first experience making meatball stew always brings a smile. I served it to friends who couldn’t stop raving about its cozy flavors, turning my kitchen into a bustling bistro.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs in my meatball stew?

Yes, frozen meatballs can save time while still delivering great flavor.

What type of broth is best for meatball stew?

Beef or vegetable broth works wonderfully to enhance the richness of the stew.

How can I thicken my meatball stew?

To thicken, simply add cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer longer to reduce.

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