Savory One-Pot Meatball Stew Easy Comfort Food

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Craving a filling meal that warms your soul? This Savory One-Pot Meatball Stew is your answer. I’ll guide you through each step, from tasty meatballs to vibrant veggies. You won’t need fancy cooking skills; just simple ingredients and a little time. Get ready to create a dish that feeds your family and brings smiles to the table. Let’s dive into this easy comfort food recipe that you can enjoy any night of the week!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty: This meatball stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, filling you up with delicious flavors and warm broth.
2. One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while allowing the ingredients to mingle and enhance each other’s flavors.
3. Customizable: You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand, making it a versatile dish.
4. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this stew offers a balanced meal option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

Main ingredients for meatballs

To make the meatballs, you need:

– 1 pound ground beef or turkey

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 large egg

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper, to taste

These ingredients create a tasty base for your meatballs. The meat gives protein, while the breadcrumbs add texture. Parmesan cheese brings a nice flavor. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic and Italian seasoning add a savory touch.

Vegetables needed

For the stew, you will need:

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 carrots, sliced

– 2 stalks celery, diced

– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved

These veggies add color and nutrition. Onions bring sweetness when cooked. Carrots add a bit of crunch, while celery gives a fresh taste. Green beans add a nice pop of color and flavor.

Liquids and seasonings required

You will also need:

– 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The beef broth forms the stew’s base. Diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness. Fresh parsley gives a bright finish. Salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the meatballs

To make the meatballs, gather a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, crack in 1 large egg and add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Combine all the ingredients well. Now, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Set these aside on a plate.

Sautéing vegetables and browning meatballs

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. You want the onion to turn translucent. After this, gently add the meatballs to the pot. Cook them for about 5 minutes, turning until they are browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked yet.

Simmering the stew

With the meatballs browned, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth and a can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to mix everything together. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of trimmed and halved green beans. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking. After cooking, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Tips & Tricks

How to make meatballs juicy

To make your meatballs juicy, use a mix of ground beef and turkey. The beef adds flavor, while turkey keeps them moist. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They act like little sponges, soaking up liquid. Also, don’t overmix the meat. Just combine the ingredients until mixed. This keeps the meatballs tender.

Perfecting the seasoning

Seasoning is key for great flavor. Use garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fresh herbs add a nice touch. Try using parsley or basil for brightness. Taste the meatball mix before you shape them. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Remember, the broth and tomatoes will add more flavor as well.

Stirring and cooking techniques

When cooking the stew, be gentle. Stir the pot carefully to keep meatballs intact. After adding broth and tomatoes, bring it to a simmer. This helps the flavors blend. Keep the pot covered while it cooks. This traps steam and cooks the meatballs through. Check the stew near the end to adjust seasoning. Enjoy your warming, hearty dish!

Variations

Alternative proteins: beef vs. turkey

You can use beef or turkey for this stew. Ground beef gives a rich taste. It is hearty and filling. Ground turkey is a light option. It has less fat and fewer calories. Both meats work well in the recipe. If you want a unique twist, try mixing them. This blend adds flavor and keeps it juicy.

Vegetable substitutions

You can swap out veggies to match your taste. Try using bell peppers for a sweet kick. Zucchini adds a nice texture and flavor too. If you like greens, spinach or kale works well. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them fresh and vibrant. Use what you have at home. It’s a great way to reduce waste.

Adding spices for extra flavor

Spices can change the whole dish. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A dash of smoked paprika gives a nice depth. If you like herbs, fresh basil or thyme can brighten it up. You can even add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick. Experiment with spices to find your perfect blend. Each addition can create a new favorite version of this stew.

Storage Info

Best methods for refrigerating leftovers

To keep your meatball stew fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off, toss it out.

Freezing tips for future meals

If you want to save your stew for later, freezing works great. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating instructions

Reheat your meatball stew on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, use low heat and stir often. This helps to heat it evenly. If using a microwave, cover the bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst. Make sure it’s hot throughout before serving.

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Meatball Stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can make One-Pot Meatball Stew ahead of time. Cook the stew fully and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will get better overnight. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve with meatball stew?

You can serve meatball stew with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

– Crusty bread for dipping

– Rice or pasta to soak up the sauce

– A fresh green salad for crunch

– Mashed potatoes for a cozy touch

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this dish healthier, try these tips:

– Use ground turkey instead of beef.

– Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

– Choose whole grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.

– Use low-sodium broth to cut down on salt.

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them to the pot while cooking. They will thaw and heat up in the stew. This option saves time and works well if you’re in a hurry.

This blog post covers how to make a delicious one-pot meatball stew. We talked about the main ingredients, vegetables, and needed liquids. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for juicy meatballs, and ways to spice things up. You learned storage methods, reheating tips, and answers to common questions.

When you make this stew, you can enjoy a warm, tasty meal. Keep experimenting with your ingredients to make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creativ

Savory One-Pot Meatball Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew featuring meatballs, vegetables, and broth, all cooked in one pot.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
• Carefully add the meatballs to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). They do not need to be fully cooked through at this point.
• Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
• Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the green beans and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
• Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for ground beef if desired.

Keyword hearty, meatball stew, one-pot meal

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