If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, this Meatball Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, flavorful meatballs gently simmered in a rich broth with tender vegetables and a touch of Italian herbs creating a symphony of taste and texture in every spoonful. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings the joy of homemade cooking into your kitchen with simple ingredients and incredible flavor, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatball Stew Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are staples in most kitchens, each carefully selected to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this stew a true crowd-pleaser.
- Ground beef: Forms the juicy, hearty base of the meatballs that are the star of the stew.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs tender and intact.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps create a soft, moist texture inside the meatballs.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a subtle, savory depth into the meatballs.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a hint of sharpness.
- Dried oregano: Delivers classic Italian herbal notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing vegetables, adding richness.
- Onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a foundational flavor for the stew.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and bright color.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Contributes freshness and a subtle crunch.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed: Makes the stew comforting and filling with their soft, creamy texture.
- Beef broth: The flavorful liquid that simmers everything together into a luscious stew.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Adds acidity and brightness that balance richness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that complements oregano nicely and elevates the stew’s aroma.
- Bay leaf: Imparts an earthy subtle background essence during simmering.
- Chopped parsley: The fresh, light garnish that wakes up the dish before serving.
How to Make Meatball Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined to keep those meatballs tender and juicy. Roll the mixture into small, one-inch meatballs — perfectly bite-sized for easy eating and even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Carefully brown the meatballs in batches, turning them to get a golden crust on all sides. This step locks in flavor and texture, making each meatball irresistibly delicious. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness into the pot. This forms the flavorful foundation for your stew.
Step 4: Build the Stew Base
Add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, letting the ingredients start to meld together in a savory harmony.
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs and Vegetables
Return the meatballs to the pot, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs cook through to juicy perfection. Remember to remove the bay leaf before seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
How to Serve Meatball Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving for a bright burst of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness that complements the rich flavors delightfully.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Stew Recipe is wonderfully satisfying all on its own, but you can also pair it with rustic crusty bread for dipping or a light green salad to balance the meal with crispness and greenery.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in mini soup bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls to impress your guests with a charming presentation. Alternatively, top it with a dollop of creamy ricotta or shredded mozzarella for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes even better as the flavors continue to blend.
Freezing
This Meatball Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for an easy, comforting dinner any time.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the meatballs stay tender. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative and will still produce delicious meatballs in this stew. Just be mindful that the cooking time might be slightly shorter since leaner meats cook faster.
Is this Meatball Stew Recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers to add more color and nutrients. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the veggies crisp-tender.
What can I do to give the stew a richer tomato flavor?
Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables enriches the tomato base and deepens the stew’s overall flavor, giving it that extra layer of savory goodness.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Mix the meatball ingredients gently and avoid overworking the mixture. The combination of egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs, and browning them carefully locks their shape before simmering in the stew.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Stew Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—velvety broth, tender veggies, and juicy meatballs that always hit the spot. It’s a versatile, satisfying dish that fits any occasion, whether a busy weeknight or a special meal with friends. Give it a try and let this hearty stew become one of your new favorites. You’ll be glad you did!
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Meatball Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Meatball Stew made with tender beef meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with potatoes, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. This one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and packed with savory herbs and vegetables.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until evenly blended. Form the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cubed potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, return the browned meatballs to the pot, cover with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, taste the stew, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the stew warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For an extra rich flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables.
- If gluten-free is required, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
- This stew stores well and tastes great the next day after flavors have melded.
