Description
This Hearty Meatball Stew is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich broth loaded with diced tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, this stew combines savory herbs with fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stew
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they hold their shape well.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, approximately 1 minute.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots and potatoes. Continue to sauté for about 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables and enhance their flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the low-sodium beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Meatballs: Gently add the shaped meatballs into the simmering stew. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the meatballs cook through in the stew for 30-40 minutes. Make sure they are cooked thoroughly and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Serve the hearty meatball stew hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, brown the meatballs in the pot before adding the broth and vegetables to seal in juices.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt content better.
- This stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
