Comforting Meatball Stew

When the weather turns chilly and you find yourself craving comfort, imagine a bubbling pot of Meatball Stew simmering away on your stove. The aroma alone can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and warmth. As the meatballs dance in a rich, savory broth, you can almost hear them whispering, “Eat me ” This delightful dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a hug in a bowl that makes any gathering feel special.

I remember the first time I made Meatball Stew for my family. It was one of those spontaneous cooking adventures where my pantry had more mystery than ingredients. My toddler, armed with spaghetti sauce stains, declared it the best dinner ever. It became our go-to for family movie nights or when we just needed some culinary love on a rainy day.

One chilly evening, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious my Meatball Stew turned out. Their laughter and happy faces made the effort truly worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for tender meatballs that won’t soak up too much grease.
• Breadcrumbs: These add texture choose plain or Italian-seasoned based on your flavor preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the dish chop finely for both flavor and garnish.
• Onion: Use yellow onions for their sweetness they’ll caramelize beautifully in the stew.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring depth always an aromatic superstar in savory dishes.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes to create a thick, luscious base for your stew.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while adding robust flavor.
• Carrots and Celery: Classic mirepoix duo that adds sweetness and crunch to your stew.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that truly elevates the overall flavor profile of the stew.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients’ flavors in this comforting dish.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables choose extra virgin for richer taste.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined – don’t overwork it or your meatballs will be tough

Sear Those Meatballs : Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently place meatballs in the pot without overcrowding them. Sear until browned on all sides – about 5-7 minutes – then remove them from the pot.

Sauté Your Veggies: In the same pot (flavor alert ), add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions soften and become translucent – around 5 minutes – stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Add Tomato Goodness : Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth into your veggie mixture. Stir well while scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Simmer to Perfection : Gently return seared meatballs back into the pot with veggies and sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer cover partially and let cook for 30-40 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Final Seasoning Touches : Taste your stew before serving adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed Serve hot with some fresh parsley sprinkled on top for that pop of color.

Enjoy this delightful Meatball Stew as it warms not only your belly but also your spirit

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs first to lock in flavor. Then, sauté your vegetables before adding broth for a deeper taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add different veggies like spinach or mushrooms to customize your stew.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

Sharing my first attempt at meatball stew brings back fond memories of a messy kitchen and laughter from friends who sampled my culinary adventure, declaring it “delicious chaos.”

FAQ

Can I freeze meatball stew?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months just thaw and reheat when ready.

What are good sides for meatball stew?

Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

How do I make meatballs more flavorful?

Add herbs, garlic, or grated cheese directly into the meat mixture for added depth.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Savory Meatball Stew

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm up your chilly evenings with this comforting Meatball Stew, a delightful blend of tender meatballs and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. This dish brings warmth to your table, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its easy preparation and robust flavors, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until just combined. Form into meatballs.
2. Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding; brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are soft (about 5 minutes).
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth while scraping up browned bits from the pot.
5. Simmer: Return meatballs to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer; cover partially and cook for 30-40 minutes.
6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot with fresh parsley on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups (375g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg