Savory Meatball Stew: A Timeless One-Dish Delight
In the realm of hearty comfort foods, few dishes evoke nostalgia quite like a well-prepared meatball stew. This particular recipe, cherished since the late 1960s, stands out as a fulfilling one-dish meal that artfully combines succulent meatballs with a medley of vibrant vegetables, creating a satisfying experience that nourishes both the body and soul.
Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or preparing a comforting weeknight dinner, this meatball stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a cooking duration of one hour, it promises to deliver robust flavors without demanding too much of your time.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Meatball Stew |
| Category | Stew |
| Description | A delightful one-dish meal with tender meatballs and vegetables cooked together, perfect for family gatherings. |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings (approx.) |
| Keywords | One Dish Meal, Vegetable, Meat, < 4 Hours |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 545.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 26.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 2296.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 29.9 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Carrots (sliced) | 2 medium |
| Potatoes (cubed) | 2 medium |
| Frozen green beans | 2 cups |
| Water | 4 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatballs
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of the chopped onion, the egg, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce. Use your hands to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat. -
Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Once the meat mixture is ready, take a portion and roll it into balls, aiming for approximately 16 meatballs. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and carefully add the meatballs, allowing them to brown on all sides. This step not only adds flavor through caramelization but also helps to seal in the juices, ensuring a tender meatball. -
Combine Ingredients for the Stew
After browning the meatballs, it’s time to create the stew base. Add the remaining chopped onion, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, 1 teaspoon of salt, the rest of the tomato sauce, frozen green beans, and the water into the skillet with the meatballs. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. -
Simmer the Stew
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting the stew simmer for one hour. During this time, be sure to stir occasionally, ensuring that the ingredients do not stick to the bottom of the pan and that the flavors develop fully. The combination of vegetables and meatballs in the simmering liquid will create a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist. -
Thicken the Stew
To achieve the desired consistency, gradually mix the all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of the liquid from the stew. This step helps to avoid lumps when incorporating the flour into the stew. Once well combined, pour the flour mixture back into the skillet, stirring constantly until the stew thickens to your liking. -
Serve and Enjoy
After thickening, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Ladle the meatball stew into bowls and serve hot, perhaps accompanied by a crusty loaf of bread or a fresh side salad. Enjoy the hearty flavors and the satisfaction of a meal that brings together meat and vegetables in a delightful and wholesome manner.
Conclusion
This savory meatball stew not only serves as a testament to classic home cooking but also embodies the warmth and comfort that comes from a well-prepared meal shared with loved ones. With its balanced flavors and nourishing ingredients, it remains a timeless favorite that transcends generations, ensuring that each bite delivers a sense of nostalgia and joy. Whether you’re revisiting an old family recipe or discovering it for the first time, this meatball stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, making every mealtime a cherished occasion.
