Meatball Stew
This hearty meatball stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any dinner table. Tender homemade meatballs simmer in a rich broth with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this classic stew comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 16 meatballs about 1.5 inches each.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8 minutes total, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion and garlic for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add potatoes and carrots, stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Return meatballs to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until potatoes are tender and meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in bowls.
Practical Tips
Tip 1: Brown Your Meatballs Well – For extra flavor, take time to brown the meatballs until they develop a nice golden crust before adding them to the broth. This creates deeper, more complex flavors in your stew.
Tip 2: Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce – This ingredient adds a subtle umami depth that makes the broth taste richer and more developed. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
Tip 3: Use Fresh Garlic – Minced fresh garlic provides much better flavor than garlic powder. Sauté it briefly with the onions to release its aromatic oils and mellow its bite.
How to Store
Store leftover meatball stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the consistency. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Common Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative. The cooking time remains the same, and the stew will be equally delicious.
What if my potatoes aren’t tender after 35 minutes? Potatoes vary in size and density. Simply simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew? Absolutely. Celery, peas, green beans, or mushrooms all work wonderfully. Add hardy vegetables with the potatoes and carrots, and tender vegetables like peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.