Hearty Meatball & Vegetable Stew in the Crock-Pot
Description:
This delightful Meatball & Vegetable Stew is the epitome of a cozy, wintry dish that makes full use of your Crock-Pot. With a flavorful mushroom gravy base, this stew is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The addition of mushroom gravy might seem unusual at first, but it transforms the stew into a rich, savory delight. Adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, this recipe delivers a delicious, filling meal with minimal effort. Perfect for a comforting dinner on chilly evenings!
Ingredients:
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or additional frozen corn)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (fresh or jarred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base: In a 4-quart Crock-Pot, place the frozen meatballs and frozen vegetables. These will serve as the hearty base of your stew, ensuring a filling and satisfying meal.
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Mix the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, mushroom gravy, and water. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, and garlic powder to this mixture. Stir until well combined, creating a flavorful sauce that will enhance the meatballs and vegetables.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the tomato and gravy mixture over the meatballs and vegetables in the Crock-Pot. Make sure everything is well covered by the sauce. Cover with the lid.
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Set the Temperature: Cook the stew on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for approximately 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will yield a richer flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
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Add Final Ingredients: About 30 minutes before the stew is finished cooking, add the corn and mushrooms. This ensures that the corn retains its texture and the mushrooms impart their flavor without becoming too soft.
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Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, ladle the stew into bowls. For a touch of extra flavor, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 83.2
- Fat: 1.1 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0.7 milligrams
- Sodium: 304.1 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 17.2 grams
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Sugar: 2.7 grams
- Protein: 3.8 grams
Serving Size: This recipe serves 6, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Enjoy this warm and comforting stew as a perfect addition to your winter meal rotation. The blend of meatballs, vegetables, and savory mushroom gravy will keep you cozy and satisfied through the coldest days! 🍲🌨️
