Savory One-Pot Meatball Stew

$For the meatballs, you need to gather some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll 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 delicious base for the meatballs. The ground meat gives it flavor, and the cheese adds a nice salty kick. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together and make the meatballs tender. Next, we turn to the veggies. They add nutrition and taste to the stew. You will use: - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 medium carrots, sliced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half These vegetables provide a variety of textures. The onion gives a sweet flavor, while carrots and celery add crunch. Green beans bring a fresh taste, rounding out the mix. Finally, we need a good broth and seasonings to enhance the stew's flavor. Gather these: - 4 cups low-sodium beef broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juice - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The broth is the heart of the stew. It keeps everything moist and flavorful. The diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness, while parsley gives a fresh touch on top. These ingredients combine to create a hearty and flavorful dish. Enjoy the process of mixing and cooking, as each step builds amazing flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Use 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Crack in 1 large egg. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Now, use your hands to mix everything well. This helps the flavors blend. Once mixed, form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place the meatballs on a plate and set them aside. Next, grab 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 to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the veggies to soften. The onion should turn clear. Carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Make sure they are spaced out. Cook them for about 5 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they brown on all sides. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked yet. Now, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Also, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, juice included. Stir gently to combine. Make sure the meatballs are submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat until the stew simmers. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend and the meatballs to cook through. After 20 minutes, remove the lid. Check if the meatballs are done. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew in bowls. Garnish each bowl with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty one-pot meatball stew! To make perfect meatballs, start with quality meat. Use ground beef or turkey. Mix it with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and an egg. This helps the meatballs stay juicy. Add minced garlic for flavor. Don't forget Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture is ready, form small balls, about 1 inch wide. This size cooks evenly in the stew. Make sure they are not too tight. A loose mixture makes for softer meatballs. Set them aside while you prepare the stew. Herbs are key to boosting flavor in your stew. I love using fresh parsley for garnish. It adds brightness to the dish. You can also add dried herbs like thyme or oregano during cooking. These give depth to the broth. For a richer taste, try adding bay leaves while the stew simmers. Just remember to remove them before serving. Fresh basil also works well and can be added right before serving for a fresh twist. If you choose turkey or chicken, adjust the cook time. These meats may cook faster than beef. After browning the meatballs, simmer the stew for about 15 minutes. Always check that the meatballs are cooked through before serving. Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure they reach 165°F. This keeps your dish safe and tasty. If you're using leaner meats, keep an eye on them. They can dry out if cooked too long. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only enhances the dish's flavor but also adds a vibrant color. Consider adding other herbs like thyme or basil for additional depth. Adjust the Meat Ratio: Mixing ground beef with ground turkey can lighten the dish while still retaining flavor. Feel free to experiment with different meat combinations! Customize Your Veggies: This stew is highly adaptable; you can add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini based on your preference or what you have on hand. Perfect Your Meatballs: For juicy meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before adding them to the pot to help them hold their shape. {{image_4}} You can easily switch the meat in this stew. Ground turkey is a great choice. It has less fat than beef but still tastes great. You can also use veggie meatballs for a plant-based option. Look for brands with good flavor and texture. Both options make the dish lighter yet still hearty. Feel free to get creative with veggies! You can add bell peppers for a sweet touch. Zucchini adds a nice softness. Mushrooms give an earthy flavor that works well. Try adding spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. These veggies not only boost flavor but also make the stew more colorful and fun. If you like heat, you can spice things up! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for warmth. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. A bit of hot sauce can add a kick, too. These spices transform the stew into a bold dish that warms you from the inside out. Enjoy experimenting! After enjoying your one-pot meatball stew, let it cool to room temperature. Use airtight containers for storage. This helps keep the stew fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the containers with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. If you want to keep the stew longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the stew into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The stew can last in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, pour the stew into a pot and heat over medium-low. Stir it often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. Always check the temperature. It should be hot throughout before serving. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them to the pot without thawing. Adjust the cooking time. You may need to simmer the stew a bit longer. Check the meatballs for doneness before serving. This makes meal prep easier on busy days. This stew lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors may deepen over time, making it even better. You can serve this stew with bread or rice. A crusty baguette is great for dipping. You might also try a simple salad for a fresh touch. Serve it with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Each option complements the rich flavors of the stew. This post covered how to make a tasty One-Pot Meatball Stew. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. Remember, the right herbs can boost flavor, and there are many fun variations to try. Store leftovers well, or freeze for later use. With this guide, you can create delicious meals that warm your heart. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen! You have the tools to make it great!$

Savory One-Pot Meatball Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew featuring meatballs, vegetables, and a rich broth, all cooked in one pot for easy preparation.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 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 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juice
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well blended. Once mixed, form the mixture into small meatballs, each approximately 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the pot, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cook them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Note that the meatballs do not need to be cooked all the way through at this stage.
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth along with the diced tomatoes and their juice. Stir gently to make sure everything is evenly combined and the meatballs are submerged in liquid.
Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the stew to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and ensuring that the meatballs cook through.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check for doneness. Taste the stew, and if needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper to your liking.
To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust seasoning to taste.

Keyword comfort food, meatball stew, one-pot meal