Meatball Stew 

Meatball Stew is a hearty, comforting meal that combines tender homemade (or store-bought) meatballs with a medley of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. This all-in-one dish is ideal for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prepping—it’s warm, filling, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling with tender meatballs and chunky vegetables
• Easy to customize with whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand
• Great for make-ahead meals—tastes even better the next day
• Perfect for feeding a family or freezing for later
• Cozy comfort food that’s simple to prepare

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs

• Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

For the Stew

• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato paste
• Potatoes, cubed
• Green beans or peas
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried thyme or fresh herbs
• Cornstarch or flour (optional, for thickening)

Directions

1. Make the meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings. Roll into small meatballs and set aside.
2. Brown the meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
4. Build the stew: Add potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer: Add browned meatballs back to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Add green beans or peas: Stir in green beans or peas during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking.
7. Thicken if needed: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the stew. Simmer until the broth thickens slightly.
8. Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce
• Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and thicken with cornstarch
• Slow cooker option: Brown meatballs and sauté veggies first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Brown them first (if raw) or add them directly to the stew if fully cooked.

What are the best potatoes for this stew?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and don’t get mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavor develops even more after a day in the fridge.

How do I make it thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) or mash a few potatoes in the pot.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—brown the meatballs and sauté the veggies first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours.

What sides go well with meatball stew?

Crusty bread, a green salad, or even buttered noodles make great pairings.

Can I use other meats?

Definitely—try a beef/pork blend, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs, and avoid over-mixing the meat mixture.

What’s the best broth to use?

Beef broth gives a rich flavor, but chicken broth works if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I cook the meatballs right in the broth?

You can, but browning them first adds more flavor and helps them hold together.

Conclusion

Meatball Stew is a cozy, filling, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With juicy meatballs and chunky vegetables all simmered in a rich broth, it’s everything you want in a comforting homemade meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner every time.

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