Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking for a hug-in-a-bowl type of meal, then let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Meatball Stew! This dish is pure nostalgia for me, reminding me of cozy family dinner nights when the aroma of savory meatballs simmering in hearty broth filled the house. My mom used to whip this up after a long winter’s day, and let me tell you, it was like a warm embrace that made everything right in the world.
What I truly love about this Meatball Stew is that it’s not just comfort food; it’s also incredibly satisfying and super easy to throw together. Plus, who can resist a bowl of tender meatballs swimming in a flavorful broth filled with veggies? I swear, it’s like magic! Now, let’s dive into the delicious details!
What’s in Meatball Stew?
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I typically go for a pound of good-quality ground beef, but mixing it with pork can add a juicy flavor that’s out of this world.
Breadcrumbs: These are the secret to keeping the meatballs tender. I often use plain breadcrumbs, but if you have Italian-style on hand, that works great too!
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a rich and nutty flavor that makes the meatballs shine. You can’t go wrong with fresh grated, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch.
Egg: This little guy binds everything together to keep your meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
Garlic: Who doesn’t love garlic? It adds so much depth to the dish. Make sure to mince it well to get that wonderful flavor throughout.
Italian Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings that Italian flair straight to your stew.
Salt and Pepper: These essentials elevate the flavors—don’t skip them! Always season to taste.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon for sautéing the meatballs and veggies; it adds richness and helps everything cook evenly.
Onion and Carrots: These aromatic veggies provide a sweet and savory base for the stew. I like to chop them finely for even cooking.
Potatoes: They add heartiness and are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that flavorful broth.
Green Peas: Fresh or frozen, they bring a splash of sweetness and a bright pop of color to the dish.
Beef Broth: This is the heart of your stew! Use quality broth for the best flavor—homemade if you have it, otherwise low-sodium store-bought is great too.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of these adds a touch of acidity and freshness that balances the richness of the stew.
Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato goodness gives thickness and enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top before serving not only looks great, but also brightens the dish with fresh flavor!
Is Meatball Stew Good for You?
Absolutely! This hearty stew is packed with nutrition and can be a balanced meal when served with a side salad or whole grain bread. Here are some key benefits:
Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are essential for energy and overall health. Opt for lean cuts to keep the dish lighter.
Veggies: The carrots, potatoes, and peas provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, fiber helps support digestive health—bonus!
While this dish nurtures the soul, be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie or sodium intake. Using low-sodium beef broth and limiting added salt can make it even healthier while still rocking that comforting flavor.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, diced
– 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Serves: 6 hearty portions
How to Make Meatball Stew?
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook until they’re browned on all sides, then remove them and set aside.
3. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and carrots. Cook until softened, around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes, green peas, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
5. Return the meatballs to the pot, then bring the stew to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley—because presentation matters too!
Your Meatball Stew Variations!
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few fun twists you could try with your Meatball Stew:
– **Herb It Up:** Switch out Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even some basil for a different flavor profile.
– **Spicy Kick:** Add a chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes for a little heat!
– **Veggie Loaded:** Sneak in more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for even more nutrition.
– **Pasta Love:** Toss in a handful of small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a heartier dish.
So there you have it! Dive into this delicious Meatball Stew, and I promise, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to make this and share your creations! Let me know how it turns out, and perhaps share your own twists on this comforting classic! Happy cooking!
