This easy meatball stew is a comforting one-pot meal packed with hearty veggies, tender meatballs, and a rich, flavorful broth. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner! Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Its savory aroma and delicious flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking time, you can have a hearty meal ready in less than one hour.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one pot, making it easier for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies or even use different types of meatballs to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of beef stock, Italian seasoning, and garlic creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that warms the soul.
- Great for Meal Prep: This meatball stew keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A must-have for cooking all ingredients together; it ensures even heating.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring spoons: Helps you accurately measure ingredients like seasonings for consistent flavor.
Ingredients
This easy meatball stew is a comforting one-pot meal packed with hearty veggies, tender meatballs, and a rich, flavorful broth. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, diced
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 18 ounce bag frozen meatballs
– 1.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced into about 1 pieces
– 4 cups beef stock
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 3 tablespoons cornstarch
– 12 ounce bag frozen peas and carrots
– Kosher salt
– fresh cracked pepper
– fresh chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Meatball Stew
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Cook for another minute while stirring frequently to combine all flavors.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Stir in frozen meatballs, diced potatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and additional salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer then gently simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
Dissolve cornstarch in two tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the stew along with frozen peas and carrots. Continue gently simmering for another 10 minutes or until everything is tender and the stew thickens slightly.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Taste the stew and season as needed with more salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Step 6: Enjoy!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!
How to Serve Meatball Stew
Serving meatball stew is a delightful way to enjoy this hearty dish. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Baguette: A warm, crusty sourdough baguette pairs wonderfully for dipping into the stew.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that complements the stew’s richness.
Over Rice or Pasta
- Steamed Rice: Serving meatball stew over fluffy white rice absorbs the delicious broth and adds a filling base.
- Pasta: Try it with al dente pasta like penne or spaghetti for a comforting twist on traditional meatballs.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over your bowl for added depth and creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar enhances the flavor profile and adds a nice contrast.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Meal Prep Containers: Divide leftovers into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
How to Perfect Meatball Stew
To achieve the best meatball stew, consider these simple tips that will enhance your cooking process and flavor.
- Choose Quality Meatballs: Opt for high-quality frozen meatballs or make your own for better taste.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil at the end can brighten up the dish significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure balanced flavors.
- Thicken with Care: When using cornstarch, mix it well with water to avoid lumps in your stew.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Stew
Pairing side dishes with meatball stew can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its hearty nature.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw offers crunch and tanginess, balancing the flavors of the stew.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base that soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Cornbread: Moist cornbread adds sweetness, making it an excellent choice alongside savory meatballs.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli brings in nutrients while keeping the meal light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making meatball stew, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Neglecting seasoning: Always add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to enhance flavors. Taste as you go!
- Overcooking the meatballs: Frozen meatballs only need to be heated through. Cooking them too long can make them tough.
- Ignoring ingredient size: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. This ensures everything is tender at the same time.
- Skipping the simmering step: Allowing the stew to simmer helps develop rich flavors. Don’t rush this step for the best results.
- Not adjusting consistency: If your stew is too thin, make sure to use cornstarch properly. A slurry will help thicken it perfectly.
- Forgetting garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Don’t skip this simple yet impactful step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Meatball Stew
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Meatball Stew
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making meatball stew:
How do I make my meatball stew thicker?
You can thicken your meatball stew by using cornstarch mixed with water. Add this slurry during the cooking process and let it simmer until thickened.
Can I use homemade meatballs in meatball stew?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can add extra flavor and texture, making your stew even more delightful.
What vegetables work well in meatball stew?
You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes.
Is meatball stew healthy?
Yes! This meatball stew is packed with nutrients from potatoes and peas while being relatively low in calories, making it a hearty yet healthy option.
How do I store leftovers from my meatball stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This easy meatball stew recipe is not just comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste preferences. Give this delightful dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Meatball Stew
This comforting meatball stew is the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights. Combining tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, this dish is ready in just 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 18 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- 1.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced into about 1" pieces
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 12 ounce bag frozen peas and carrots
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, salt, and pepper; sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute.
- Add frozen meatballs, diced potatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry; stir into the stew along with frozen peas and carrots. Simmer for another 10 minutes until everything is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
