Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Crock Pot Meatball Stew! 🥘 This recipe is a savory blend of tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors that simmer to perfection in your crock pot. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or an easy dish to impress your family and friends, this stew has got you covered. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:
Crock Pot Meatball Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 eggs
- 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
Instructions:
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Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs with dried onion, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is distributed throughout the meat.
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Brown Meatballs:
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Form the meat mixture into meatballs, approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in the hot oil until they develop a golden crust. This step adds flavor and texture to the meatballs.
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Prepare Crock Pot:
- While the meatballs are browning, prepare your crock pot by placing the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery in the bottom. These hearty vegetables will form the base of your stew.
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Add Meatballs and Onions:
- Using a slotted spoon or spatula, transfer the browned meatballs onto the bed of vegetables in the crock pot.
- Quickly brown the diced onions in the same skillet used for the meatballs, adding extra flavor, and then add them to the crock pot.
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Pour Soup Over All:
- Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup over the meatballs and vegetables in the crock pot. The creamy soup will add richness and depth to the stew.
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Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the crock pot and cook the stew on low heat for 7 to 9 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender and flavorful.
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Adjust Seasonings and Serve:
- Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the Crock Pot Meatball Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 972.2
- Fat: 49.7g
- Saturated Fat: 17.3g
- Cholesterol: 257.1mg
- Sodium: 1662.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 72.9g
- Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugar: 12.2g
- Protein: 57.2g
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add additional veggies like peas, green beans, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, Crock Pot Meatball Stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this comforting dish will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and let the slow cooker work its magic! 🍲