The enticing aroma of bubbling broth dances through the kitchen, beckoning you closer. Imagine tender meatball stew swimming joyfully among vibrant vegetables and herbs; each bite promises warmth and nostalgia that wraps around you like a cozy blanket.
I remember the first time I made this delicious meatball stew; it was a stormy night, and the power went out. With only candlelight flickering in the background, my family gathered around the stove, captivated by its simmering magic. The delicious aroma wafting from the pot soon turned our worried faces into smiles of anticipation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hearty meatball stew is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- It’s bursting with flavor from tender meatballs and fresh veggies
- The rich broth creates a beautiful presentation perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it on chilly days or as a comforting weeknight dinner
Nothing brings family together like a warm meal on a cold day! The laughter shared while serving up seconds always warms my heart.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess grease; it offers great flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- Eggs: Two eggs add moisture and elasticity to your meatballs—no one wants dry bites here!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
- Onion: Diced onion infuses flavor into both the meatballs and the stew base—don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give your stew an aromatic kick that makes everything taste better.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots provide sweetness and vibrant color; they’re like little nature’s candies in your stew!
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes add heartiness to the mix; choose waxy potatoes for better texture.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth for more control over saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes in juice create a lovely base for your stew; they add moisture and acidity.
- Dried Oregano: Oregano brings earthy notes that perfectly complement the other ingredients—hello Mediterranean vibes!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; don’t forget to taste along the way!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped parsley, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined but avoid overworking—it’ll lead to tough balls!
Sear the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil until shimmering. Gently place shaped meatballs into pan; cook until browned on all sides—about 5-7 minutes should do!
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot used for searing (flavor city!), add diced carrots and potatoes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened while stirring frequently—your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Add Broth & Tomatoes: Pour in beef broth along with canned tomatoes (juice included). Bring everything to a gentle boil while scraping any delicious brown bits stuck on the bottom.
Add Meatballs Back: Carefully nestle those gorgeous browned meatballs right back into your simmering concoction. Reduce heat to low; cover and let simmer gently for 30-40 minutes—patience is key here!
Taste & Adjust Seasonings: After simmering away blissfully, taste before serving! Adjust salt or pepper if needed; feel free to sprinkle in dried oregano too for extra flavor.*
And there you go—a warm bowl of heartfelt goodness awaits! Enjoy your cozy evening filled with love and laughter as you savor every bite of this delightful meatball stew.
You Must Know
- Meatball stew is not just comfort food; it’s a full-on hug in a bowl
- The aroma alone can make your neighbors suspicious of your culinary skills
- It’s perfect for lazy Sundays and can be customized to suit every taste preference, making it a crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs first to develop flavor, then sauté the onions and garlic while adding broth and veggies for a rich base.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add in some veggies like spinach or kale to boost nutrition while maintaining flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat for optimal texture and taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making meatball stew, ensure your meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking
- Don’t rush the browning process; it enhances flavor significantly
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring every bowl is a masterpiece
Sharing this dish with friends always brings back memories of cozy winter nights, laughter around the table, and compliments that make all those hours in the kitchen worth every minute.
FAQ
What type of meat is best for meatball stew?
Ground beef or pork works well for traditional flavors, but ground turkey or chicken offers a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
Can I freeze meatball stew?
Yes! Meatball stew freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
How do I thickening my meatball stew?
To thicken your stew, you can mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering pot or let it cook uncovered until desired thickness is reached.
Delicious Meatball Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm your soul with this hearty meatball stew, featuring tender meatballs simmered in rich broth with vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sear meatballs until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté carrots and potatoes for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add beef broth and canned tomatoes; bring to a gentle boil while scraping the pot.
- Return meatballs to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups (360g)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
