Imagine a pot simmering away, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of savory meatballs mingling with hearty vegetables and Italian spices.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, indulgent stew.
Meatball Stew is a deliciously easy recipe perfect for cozy evenings, where each bite feels like a hug.
Let’s bring this comforting Italian classic to life and savor the magic of homemade goodness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 frying pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Meatball Stew, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Start by thoroughly reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps involved and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (20 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:05: Gather and measure all ingredients.
- 0:05 – 0:10: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
- 0:10 – 0:15: Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- 0:15 – 0:20: Chop the onion and mince the garlic; slice the carrots.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- 0:20 – 0:30: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- 0:30 – 0:35: In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.
- 0:35 – 0:55: Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 0:55 – 1:10: Add the browned meatballs to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- 1:10 – 1:15: Stir in chopped parsley.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- 1:15 – 1:25: Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the browned meatballs to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Stir in chopped parsley and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth and adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and comforting side that complements the hearty stew beautifully.
- Pasta: Serve over a bed of pasta like spaghetti or fusilli to make the meal even more filling.
- Rice: A simple, fluffy white rice provides a neutral base that lets the flavors of the stew shine.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or broccoli add a fresh and healthy contrast to the dish.
Storage
To store meatball stew, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Freezing
To freeze meatball stew, allow it to cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat meatball stew, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power.
This will prevent drying out and guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Meatball stew is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion.
With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
The combination of tender meatballs and a flavorful broth creates a delicious experience.
This Italian-inspired recipe isn’t only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Don’t forget to let the stew rest before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious meal.
Enjoy your homemade meatball stew with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Beef for the Meatballs?
You can substitute turkey for beef in the meatballs. Make sure you adjust seasoning since turkey’s flavor is milder. Consider adding extra herbs or spices for depth. Monitor cooking time closely, as turkey can dry out faster.
What Wine Pairs Well With Meatball Stew?
You should pair meatball stew with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Barbera. These wines complement the stew’s robust flavors and enhance the savory notes from the tomatoes and herbs, creating a balanced dining experience.
How Long Can the Stew Be Kept in the Refrigerator?
You can refrigerate the stew for up to three to four days. Make certain it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When reheating, bring it to a simmer to guarantee it’s heated evenly and thoroughly.
Can I Add Potatoes to the Stew?
Yes, you can add potatoes to the stew. Peel and cube them, then add them with the carrots. Make certain they’re fully submerged in the broth to cook evenly. Adjust the seasoning to accommodate the potatoes’ flavor absorption.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Confirm all other ingredients, like beef broth and Parmesan cheese, are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check packaging for hidden gluten sources.
Meatball Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 400 grams
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the browned meatballs to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
