Hearty Meatball Stew

There’s something magical about a hearty meatball stew bubbling away on the stove, filling your kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of spices and savory goodness. Picture this: tender meatballs swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, accompanied by vibrant vegetables that dance together in harmony. As you lift the lid, steam wafts up, carrying with it promises of warmth and comfort on a chilly day.

I remember the first time I made meatball stew it was during a fierce winter storm. My friends gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting their bowls. Laughter filled the room as we shared stories while dipping crusty bread into the thick broth. That day, I discovered that not only does meatball stew satisfy hunger, but it also nourishes the soul.

I’ll never forget how my friends devoured every last drop of that stew, leaving no leftovers behind.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs it balances flavor without excessive grease.
• Breadcrumbs: Choose plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together and add texture.
• Eggs: One or two eggs help hold everything together fresh is always best for flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil elevate flavor use them liberally for an aromatic kick.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color they should be firm and vibrant.
• Celery: Fresh celery contributes crunch and flavor choose stalks that are crisp and green.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes for smoothness they create a lovely base for your stew.
• Broth: Chicken or beef broth enhances depth low-sodium options allow you to control saltiness.
• Spices: Oregano, thyme, and black pepper add layers of flavor don’t skimp here
• Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies and browning meatballs extra virgin offers the best taste.

For the Meatballs:

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings intensity choose firm cloves for maximum flavor.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness sauté until translucent before mixing into meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enriches flavor in meatballs always opt for fresh over powdered varieties.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, chopped onions, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots and celery cook until softened for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until fragrant.

Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you heat up your pot.

Brown Meatballs: In batches if necessary, add meatballs to the same pot where you cooked vegetables. Brown all sides until golden brown for about 6-8 minutes. Remove them from the pot once browned.

Create Your Stew Base: To the same pot (don’t clean it), pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir in oregano and thyme while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom from cooking meatballs.

Add Everything Together: Gently return browned meatballs back into the pot with veggies and broth mixture. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until everything is tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Now you’re ready to serve this comforting delight

Enjoy your steaming bowl of meatball stew alongside crusty bread or fluffy rice as you relish every spoonful of this heartwarming dish

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the meatballs first to lock in flavor. Then, simmer them gently with vegetables and broth for maximum tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano, or toss in some veggies like carrots or spinach for added nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatball stew in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sharing this dish with friends took me back to a family gathering where laughter mixed with the savory smell of meatball stew simmering away it was pure bliss.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs in my meatball stew?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well just ensure they are fully cooked before serving.

What can I serve with meatball stew?

Crusty bread or fluffy rice makes excellent companions for your hearty stew.

How do I thicken my meatball stew?

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew until thickened.

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Meatball Stew

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Meatball stew is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort on chilly days. This flavorful stew features tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich broth with vibrant vegetables, creating a perfect blend of taste and nutrition. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to customize based on your pantry staples. Serve it alongside crusty bread or fluffy rice for an unforgettable meal that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, chopped onion, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté carrots and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Brown the meatballs in the same pot for about 6-8 minutes; remove once golden brown.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth; add oregano and thyme. Stir well.
6. Return browned meatballs to the pot with vegetables and broth mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until everything is tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg