Description
This Hearty Meatball Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich broth loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying stew that warms you up from the inside out.
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
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into bite-sized balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in diced carrots and potatoes, sauté for about 5 minutes to slightly soften and develop flavor.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and low-sodium beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook meatballs in stew: Gently add the prepared meatballs into the simmering stew. Reduce heat to low and let the stew cook covered for 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the hot meatball stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, partially mash some of the potatoes during cooking.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley but use 1 tablespoon dried instead.
- Low-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness; adjust seasoning at the end.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pot with meatballs to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
