Meatball Stew is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender meatballs swimming in a rich, flavorful broth along with chunks of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery. The stew is warm and filling, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
I love making this stew on weekends when I have some extra time to let it simmer slowly. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors blend together, and the meatballs turn wonderfully soft and juicy. It’s one of those recipes that always gets better the next day, so I like to make a big batch to enjoy leftovers for a few days.
My favorite way to serve Meatball Stew is with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping into the broth. It’s simple, satisfying, and everyone seems to love the mix of tender meatballs and the warmth of the veggies. This stew always brings people around the table, sharing stories and smiles over a comforting meal.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork to get juicy, flavorful meatballs. If you prefer, turkey or chicken work well for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them tender. You can swap with crushed crackers or oats if you need gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a bit of grated cheddar can be great substitutes.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas give the stew texture and sweetness. Feel free to add or swap veggies like green beans, bell peppers, or corn depending on what you have.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring warmth and aroma. Dried herbs work fine too, just add them earlier during cooking so flavors develop.
How Can I Make Meatballs Tender and Keep Them From Falling Apart?
Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly to combine. Overworking the meat can make tough meatballs.
- Use a binding agent like an egg and breadcrumbs to hold everything together.
- Don’t make the meatballs too big; about 1 to 1 1/2 inches is perfect for even cooking.
- Brown the meatballs carefully in batches. This seals the outside and helps them hold shape.
- Simmer them gently in the stew—avoid boiling hard to keep them from breaking apart.
These tips will help you get soft, juicy meatballs that stay intact during cooking and taste delicious in the stew.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – great for browning meatballs and simmering the stew all in one pot.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining meatball ingredients evenly.
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula – handy for stirring vegetables and broth without scratching your pot.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to chop veggies quickly and safely.
- Ladle – makes serving the stew easy and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball option that still stays tender.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and a boost of flavor.
- Mix in Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a different herb and spice profile.
- Stir in cooked pasta or barley at the end for a heartier stew that can double as a one-pot meal.
How to Make Meatball Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Stew:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total cooking time is about 1 hour. Preparing the meatballs and vegetables takes around 15-20 minutes, browning the meatballs about 7 minutes, and simmering the stew for 30-40 minutes to make all the flavors meld together and cook the veggies until tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Once combined, roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Set them aside.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides, about 5-7 minutes in total. They don’t need to be fully cooked now. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and celery until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add sliced carrots and cook for another 3 minutes to soften.
4. Build the Stew Base:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and diced tomatoes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Return the meatballs to the pot along with the potato chunks. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 30-40 minutes or until carrots and potatoes are tender and meatballs are cooked through.
6. Finish the Stew:
Add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the stew into bowls, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary if you like. Serve the stew warm, ideally with some crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw frozen meatballs completely before adding them to the stew. You can brown them in the pot briefly to develop flavor before simmering fully in the stew.
Can I Prepare Meatball Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the stew up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with Meatball Stew?
Crusty bread or warm rolls are perfect for soaking up the stew’s delicious broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
