Cozy Meatball Stew Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a bubbling pot of Meatball Stew on a chilly evening. The rich, savory scent wafts through the air, tempting everyone in the house to gather around for a warm, hearty meal. You can almost hear the meatballs singing as they dance in their delicious sauce.

This stew is more than just a meal it’s a cozy hug in a bowl. Remember that time you tried to impress your friends with your cooking skills? You know, the infamous β€œlet’s have a dinner party” moment that turned into an episode of a cooking show gone wrong? Well, this Meatball Stew will save you from any culinary disasters and make you look like a chef extraordinaire.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This comforting Meatball Stew is easy to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients make it visually appealing on any table
  • Versatile enough for family dinners or cozy gatherings, everyone will be asking for seconds

I once made this Meatball Stew for my family during a snowstorm, and let me tell you, it was met with cheers and happy bellies all around.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for tender meatballs that won’t turn out greasy.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian breadcrumbs to add texture and help bind the meatballs together.
  • Eggs: One egg per pound keeps meatballs moist while helping them hold their shape.
  • Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth sautΓ© until translucent for best flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced finely offer robust flavor skip dried versions if possible
  • Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes for a rich base crush them by hand for uneven texture.
  • Carrots & Celery: Chopped carrots and celery add crunch and balance the dish’s flavors beautifully.
  • Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while maintaining richness in flavor.
  • Italian Herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and parsley enhances the stew’s aroma with aromatic herbs.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural flavors don’t skip these

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, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined but avoid overworking the mixture to ensure tender meatballs.

SautΓ© Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots and celery. SautΓ© until they soften slightly and release their sweet aroma about five minutes should do

Add Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in canned tomatoes along with their juice and beef broth. Stir well until everything is combined into a colorful mixture that makes your taste buds tingle with excitement.

Form & Cook Meatballs: Roll small portions of the meat mixture into balls about one inch in diameter. Gently place them into the simmering stew. Cook uncovered on low heat for 30-40 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

Add Italian Herbs & Seasoning : Stir in oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper towards the end of cooking time. Allow those fragrant herbs to mingle with the stew for an unforgettable flavor boost.

Enjoy this delightful experience with friends or family gathered around your table

This Meatball Stew isn’t just food it’s an invitation to sit down together and share stories over steaming bowls filled with comfort. Now go ahead make it your own

You Must Know

  • Meatball stew is more than just a comfort dish it’s a hug in a bowl
  • The flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty meal perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings
  • This dish is versatile, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs to lock in flavor, then sautΓ© onions and garlic before adding broth and veggies.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or add spices like paprika or Italian herbs for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store meatball stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To make meatballs tender, don’t overmix the meat mixture
  • Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavors
  • Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar enhances richness and depth in the stew

Sharing a pot of meatball stew with friends always brings laughter and warmth. One time, someone declared it was better than therapy now that’s high praise

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs for my meatball stew?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well just adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with meatball stew?

Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How long does meatball stew last in the fridge?

Meatball stew lasts about three to four days when stored properly in the fridge.

Print
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Hearty Meatball Stew


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Warm up your evenings with this comforting Meatball Stew, brimming with tender meatballs and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly nights, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that brings friends and family together around the table. With rich flavors and a delightful aroma, this stew transforms any meal into a cozy gathering that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined; avoid overmixing.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. SautΓ© carrots and celery for about five minutes until softened.
  3. Add canned tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth; stir well.
  4. Roll meat mixture into one-inch meatballs and gently place them into the stew. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30–40 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Stir in oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper towards the end of cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, brown the meatballs before adding them to the stew. - Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or spices like paprika.

Tags:

chilly evening / Comfort food / dinner party / hearty meal / meatballs / savory dish / stew

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