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Hearty Meatball Stew for Cozy Nights – Classic Comfort in Every Spoonful

When the nights grow cold and you're craving something deeply nourishing, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm bowl of Hearty Meatball Stew. Packed with homemade meatballs, tender vegetables, and rich beef broth, this one-pot wonder is made for cozy nights at home. This classic recipe has everything: savory meatballs made with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, nestled in a tomato-based broth loaded with carrots, celery, and onions. It simmers to perfection and fills your home with irresistible aromas. Best of all? It’s easy to prepare and ideal for batch cooking or freezing. If you're ready to wrap yourself in the ultimate edible hug, this Hearty Meatball Stew is the recipe for you.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍲 For the Meatballs:
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lb ground beef not listed but required
🥬 For the Stew:
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 can tomatoes diced or crushed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional

Equipment

  • To make this stew, you’ll need the following:
  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Grater (for Parmesan)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Meatballs
  1. In a medium bowl, combine:
  2. 1 egg
  3. ½ cup breadcrumbs
  4. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 1 tsp onion powder
  7. 1 tsp dried thyme
  8. Salt and pepper
  9. 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  10. 1 lb ground beef
  11. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until just combined. Form into 1-inch balls and place on a plate or tray.
  12. Tip: Don’t overmix — tender meatballs need a light touch.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but recommended)
  1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs for about 4 minutes, turning to get a nice sear. Remove and set aside.
  2. This step adds deep, caramelized flavor to the stew.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same pot, add:
  2. Chopped onion
  3. Sliced carrots
  4. Chopped celery
  5. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until veggies start to soften and the onion is translucent. Stir in 1 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Build the Stew Base
  1. Add to the pot:
  2. 1 can of tomatoes (with juice)
  3. 4 cups beef broth
  4. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the pot gently.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
  1. Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave: Heat in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
This stew gets even better after a day as flavors deepen.
🥄 Variations
Here are some tasty twists to make this stew your own:
Add potatoes: Dice and simmer with the carrots for an even heartier stew.
Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
Rustic Italian: Add Italian seasoning and top with shaved Parmesan.
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness.
Veggie boost: Add kale, spinach, or peas in the last 5 minutes.
Pasta sidekick: Serve over cooked orzo, rice, or egg noodles.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked and simmer them directly in the broth.
2. What’s the best tomato to use?
Diced tomatoes offer a rustic feel, while crushed tomatoes give a thicker texture.
3. Can I skip browning the meatballs?
Yes — they’ll still cook in the broth, but browning adds extra flavor.
4. What ground meat works best?
Ground beef (80/20) is ideal, but ground turkey, pork, or a mix also work well.
5. How do I thicken the broth?
Simmer uncovered to reduce, or mash a few veggies/meatballs into the broth.
6. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your broth for gluten-free labeling.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown meatballs and veggies first, then transfer all to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
8. How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based meatballs and swap beef broth for veggie broth.
9. What herbs go well here?
Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, or even basil can boost the flavor.
10. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! Portion and store for up to 4 days or freeze for long-term meal prep.
🏁 Conclusion
This Hearty Meatball Stew is your perfect answer to chilly nights, cozy dinners, or make-ahead lunches that nourish and comfort. With its tender meatballs, rich broth, and classic flavor, it’s a recipe that warms from the inside out — and brings everyone to the table.
Whether served with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or on its own, this stew is simple to make, satisfying to eat, and always a hit.
Make a big batch, freeze leftovers, and enjoy the ultimate cozy comfort whenever the mood strikes.