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Hearty Meatball Stew – A Comforting One-Pot Classic with Rich Flavor

When you’re craving a comforting, soul-warming dish, nothing satisfies quite like a Hearty Meatball Stew. It’s rustic, rich in flavor, and loaded with tender homemade meatballs, hearty vegetables, and a savory tomato-beef broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or lazy Sundays — this stew is a family favorite you’ll come back to all season long. Imagine a bowl full of juicy meatballs simmered gently in a seasoned broth, infused with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. The flavors deepen as it cooks, creating a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. Served with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug. Let’s dive into making your new go-to comfort food classic from scratch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 For the Meatballs:
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley a handful
  • Optional: 1 lb ground beef if making meatballs from scratch
  • Note: You can use homemade or pre-made meatballs!
🍲 For the Stew:
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 can tomatoes diced or crushed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Here’s what you’ll need to bring this savory stew to life:
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Grater (for Parmesan)
  • Ladle
  • Whisk or fork (for egg)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Meatballs
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  2. 1 egg
  3. ½ cup breadcrumbs
  4. ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 1 tsp onion powder
  7. 1 tsp thyme
  8. Salt and pepper
  9. 1 lb ground beef (if using)
  10. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet or plate.
  11. For extra flavor, chill for 15 minutes before browning.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally. Set aside on a plate.
  2. This adds rich, caramelized flavor but can be skipped if using pre-cooked meatballs.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same pot, add:
  2. Diced onion
  3. Carrots
  4. Celery
  5. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and aromatic. Add 1 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper to season.
Step 4: Build the Stew
  1. Add the following to the pot:
  2. Canned tomatoes (with juice)
  3. 4 cups beef broth
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Return meatballs to the pot and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Taste and Finish
  1. Taste the stew and adjust seasonings. Add chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, herbaceous note.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Simmer gently until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
Slow cooker: Great for reheating large batches on LOW for 1–2 hours.
Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
🥄 Variations
Give your stew a twist with these tasty options:
Add potatoes: Dice and add in with the broth for a complete meal.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Italian twist: Use Italian seasoning and top with shaved Parmesan.
Rustic version: Use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand.
Vegetarian swap: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth.
Grain boost: Add cooked barley, quinoa, or farro for extra fiber.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just add them directly to the simmering stew and extend the cooking time slightly.
2. How do I thicken the stew?
Let it simmer uncovered, or mash a few potatoes (if added) to create a thicker base.
3. Can I use ground turkey for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Use the same mix of spices and breadcrumbs for a lighter version.
4. What’s the best broth to use?
Beef broth adds deep flavor, but you can use chicken or vegetable broth too.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4.
6. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your broth for a gluten-free version.
7. What’s a good side dish?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles all pair beautifully.
8. Can I add beans?
Sure! White beans or chickpeas can bulk it up while staying hearty and healthy.
9. Can I prep this ahead?
Yes — the stew gets even better overnight. Just reheat gently before serving.
10. Can I skip browning the meatballs?
Yes — you can simmer raw meatballs directly in the broth, but browning adds depth of flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Hearty Meatball Stew is the kind of meal that warms your kitchen and your soul. Packed with tender meatballs, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it's the ultimate one-pot comfort dish that everyone will love.
Whether you're serving it with crusty bread, spooning it over mashed potatoes, or enjoying it solo, this stew is a weeknight savior and weekend pleasure rolled into one. Make a big batch — leftovers taste even better!